Killer Robots Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems Legal, Ethical and Moral Challenges

by Jha, Dr U C.

• ISBN13: 9789385563614
• ISBN10: 9385563610
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2017-02-07
• Publisher: Vij Books India

Summary

Nearly 45 countries are at different stages of developing robotic weapons or lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS). The United States, for example, has recently test launched its robotic vessel Sea Hunter, a self-driving, 132-foot ship designed to travel thousands of miles without a single crew member on board. As reported, the vessel has the capability to detect and destroy stealth diesel-electric submarines and sea mines. However, though the militaries of the developed countries are in a race to develop LAWS to perform varied functions on the battlefield, a large section of robotic engineers, ethical analysts, and legal experts are of the firm belief that robotic weapons will never meet the standards of distinction and proportionality required by the laws of war, and therefore will be illegal. This book provides an insight into lethal autonomous weapon systems and debates whether it would be morally correct to give machines the power to decide who lives and who dies on the battlefield.

Table of Contents

Preface,

List of Abbreviations,

I Introduction,

II Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems: Definition,

III Autonomous Weapons in Use,

IV Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) and International Law

1. Compliance with International Humanitarian Law

2. Violation of International Human Rights Law,

V LAWS: Ethical and Moral Issues ,

VI LAWS: Legal Review ,

VII LAWS: International Concerns ,

VIII Conclusion and the Way Ahead ,

Appendices

(A) Relevant International Humanitarian Law Provisions ,

(B) Model CCW Protocol for Regulation of LAWS ,

Bibliography ,

Index