Transformation of War, Fragmentation of Law and Dominance of Technology

Throughout history, wars have always caused destruction and violence, but the strategies and methods employed have constantly changed over time. Currently, we live in an era where military strategies are (or at least should be) governed by the rules of international law while the latter is increasingly subject to fragmentation, misinterpretation, selective application and politicisation. At the same time, the means of warfare are rapidly advancing, incorporating new technologies such as digital, space-based and automated AI systems. This has created a complex landscape of various perspectives, capabilities and realities, in which some of our core values, including human rights, environmental protection and the rule of law, have been severely undermined. This presentation aims to provide an overview of this intricate reality by taking the example of the automated AI weapons that are being reportedly used in Israel’s onslaught on Gaza, shedding light on the main legal and practical challenges surrounding the devastating and lethal use of these emerging technologies in military contexts.