Autonomous weapons – systems that can select and engage targets without human intervention – are currently being developed by a growing number of states. Supporters argue that these weapons will not only surpass humans militarily, but morally, enabling a more humane mode of violence. Critics argue the opposite, regarding autonomous weapons as ethically and legally problematic. In his talk Neil Renic, Researcher at the Centre for Military Studies at the University of Copenhagen and Fellow at the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg, will overview this debate, discussing the drivers, challenges, and opportunities of autonomous weapons.

Professor Renic is a 2024 Hildegarde and Elbert Baker Visiting Scholar in the Humanities.