Ai And Autonomous Weapons

Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Weapons: Ethics, Strategy, and Battlefield Intelligence

What you'll learn

Understand the core technologies behind autonomous weapons and military AI

Analyze ethical dilemmas surrounding machine-led decision-making in warfare

Evaluate international legal frameworks and accountability challenges

Assess strategic implications of AI in global security and conflict escalation

Explore real-world applications of AI in threat detection and battlefield intelligence

Propose responsible innovation strategies for future military AI development

Requirements

This course is designed to be inclusive, thought-provoking, and beginner-friendly. You do not need a technical background in artificial intelligence or military strategy to benefit from it. Instead, we welcome learners from diverse fields—policy, ethics, international relations, technology, law, and beyond.

No Prior Experience Required You do not need: • Coding or programming skills • Military or defense background • Advanced knowledge of AI systems or robotics

Recommended (but not required) Skills & Interests To get the most out of this course, it helps if you: • Are curious about the intersection of technology, ethics, and global security • Enjoy critical thinking and philosophical inquiry • Have basic familiarity with international relations or current global affairs • Are open to engaging with controversial and complex topics

This course is built to guide you from foundational concepts to advanced debates. Whether you're a student, policymaker, technologist, or simply a curious learner, you’ll find the content structured to support your growth—step by step. We explain technical terms, provide real-world examples, and offer reflection prompts to deepen your understanding.

Description

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the battlefield—and raising profound ethical and strategic questions. Welcome to AI and Autonomous Weapons: Ethics, Strategy, and Battlefield Intelligence! You're about to embark on a fascinating journey into the future of warfare. This course is designed to challenge your thinking, expand your understanding, and equip you with the tools to critically assess the role of AI in modern conflict.This course explores the intersection of cutting-edge AI technologies and autonomous weapons systems, guiding learners through the moral dilemmas, legal frameworks, and geopolitical consequences of machine-led warfare.From drones and loitering munitions to predictive threat detection and real-time decision-making, we’ll examine how AI is reshaping military operations. You’ll learn how algorithms influence target selection, surveillance, and command systems, and what it means when machines make life-or-death decisions. Explore the moral dilemmas, strategic risks, and real-world applications of artificial intelligence in modern warfare and defense systems.We’ll also dive into the global arms race, the risks of escalation, and the challenges of accountability when autonomous systems fail.Whether you're a student of international relations, a tech enthusiast, a defense analyst, or simply curious about the future of warfare, this course offers a balanced, thought-provoking journey into one of the most urgent topics of our time. No prior technical background is required—just a willingness to engage critically with the ethical and strategic dimensions of AI in combat.

Overview

Section 1: Foundations of Military AI

Lecture 1 Lecture 1.0: Course Introduction, Overview & Learning Objectives

Lecture 2 Lecture 1.1 Defining Military AI: Scope, Capabilities, and Controversies

Lecture 3 Lecture 1.2 From Automation to Autonomy: A Historical Evolution

Lecture 4 Lecture 1.3 Key Technologies: Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and Robotics

Lecture 5 Lecture 1.4 Civilian vs. Military AI: Dual-Use Dilemmas and Ethical Tensions

Section 2: Section 2: Autonomous Weapons Systems

Lecture 6 Lecture 2.1 – What Makes a Weapon “Autonomous”?

Lecture 7 Lecture 2.2 Case Studies: Drones, Loitering Munitions, and Unmanned Vehicles

Lecture 8 Lecture2.3 Human-in-the-Loop vs. Human-out-of-the-Loop: Operational Models

Lecture 9 Lecture 2.4 Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems: Global Perspectives and Debates

Section 3: Section 3: Ethical Dilemmas and Legal Frameworks

Lecture 10 Lecture 3.1 The Morality of Machine-Led Kill Decisions

Lecture 11 Lecture 3.2 International Humanitarian Law and the Limits of Automation

Lecture 12 Lecture 3.3 Accountability in Autonomous Warfare: Legal and Moral Gaps

Lecture 13 Lecture 3.4 Bias, Discrimination, and Civilian Harm in Algorithmic Targeting

Section 4: Section 4: Strategic Implications and Global Power Shifts

Lecture 14 Lecture 4.1 AI as a Strategic Asset: Speed, Precision, and Predictive Power

Lecture 15 Lecture 4.2 The Global AI Arms Race: U.S., China, Russia, and Beyond

Lecture 16 Lecture 4.3 Deterrence Theory in the Age of Autonomy

Lecture 17 Lecture 4.4 Strategic Stability and the Risks of Algorithmic Warfare

Section 5: Section 5: Governance, Regulation, and the Future of AI Warfare

Lecture 18 Lecture 5.1 Emerging Technologies: Swarms, Quantum-AI, and Battlefield Autonomy

Lecture 19 Lecture 5.2 Global Governance: Treaties, Norms, and Institutional Actors

Lecture 20 Lecture 5.3 Building Ethical AI: Principles, Practices, and Design Challenges

Lecture 21 Lecture 5.4 Final Project: Design a Responsible AI Warfare Framework

Section 6: Final Section: Key Takeaways, Closing Reflection & Course Conclusion

Lecture 22 Key Takeaways & Course Conclusion

This course is designed for thinkers, changemakers, and curious minds who want to explore the ethical, strategic, and societal dimensions of emerging technologies—especially in contexts of peace, security, and gender equality.,Ideal Participants: • Policy professionals working in international development, peacebuilding, or defense • Academics and researchers in gender studies, peace and conflict, or tech ethics • Civil society advocates focused on human rights, gender justice, or responsible innovation • Tech developers and strategists interested in the social impact of AI and autonomous systems • Students and lifelong learners eager to understand how technology intersects with global justice,Why It Matters: If you’ve ever asked, “How can we ensure technology serves humanity—not harms it?” or “What does gender-responsive peacekeeping look like in the age of AI?”—this course is for you.