This special episode features the talk by Professor Mary Ellen O’Connell from the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, which she gave at the inaugural Peter Wallensteen Lecture on 20 May 2025 in Uppsala. This new lecture series honours our founder Professor Peter Wallensteen.

The talk begins with a critique of the current reliance on deterrence theory. Professor O’Connell then proceeds to argue how AI research and state funds should be reoriented from deterrence towards self-defence based on the principles of international law. We found the talk thought-provoking and hope you too will find it stimulating!

Mary Ellen O’Connell is the Robert and Marion Short Professor of Law and Professor of International Peace Studies—Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, USA. Her work is in the areas of international law on the use of force, international dispute resolution, and international legal theory. Her current work is on AI in the military domain.