Controlling Command: Is AI Capturing the Ethics of War?

Abstract

This essay emphasizes that AI should complement, not replace, human judgment in military contexts. Ethical oversight must be embedded throughout AI design and deployment, ensuring that all decision-making remains accountable to human actors. AI is currently employed in roles that support human decision-making, autonomously control weapon systems, and conduct both kinetic and non-kinetic operations. While these capabilities offer significant advantages in speed, precision, and operational scale, they also introduce unprecedented ethical, legal, and strategic challenges—particularly as AI systems become increasingly autonomous. Systems that provide clear, explainable reasoning for their actions should be authorized for combat use. The illusion of precision and neutrality in AI can mask moral disengagement and accelerate impunity as detached from human judgment. To mitigate these risks, we advocate for a framework that recognizes global diversity in values while establishing shared norms to guide responsible AI use.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Emerging Science and Technologies, Military Strategy, National Security

Publication Date

4-2026

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6505-4729

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4324-6655

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