Are we already living in the sci fi future where weapons decide who to kill? 

In this conversation, we explore how AI and autonomous weapons are being used today, specifically in places like Ukraine and Gaza. Bridget speaks with two leaders in research and activism to find out why they’re concerned, and how we can regain hope.

Laura Bruun is a Researcher in the Governance of Artificial Intelligence Programme within the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. She focuses on how emerging military technologies, especially autonomous weapons and military AI, intersect with international humanitarian law. Find out more about her work by searching for “emerging military technologies” at sipri.org. You can also check out their podcast, Responsible A.I. for Peace and Security.

Sai Borouthu is a researcher on the Automated Decision Research team at Stop Killer Robots, and is based out of New Delhi, India. In her role, she researches the legal, social, and policy implications of automated decision-making. Find out more about her work at stopkillerrobots.org.

Disrupting Peace is a production of The World Peace Foundation. The show is produced by Bridget Conley and Emily Shaw. Engineering by Jacob Winik and Aja Simpson. Marketing and social media by Kelsey Henquinet. Show artwork by Simon Fung. 

Special thanks to Jeremy Helton, Lisa Avery, B. Arneson, Alex de Waal, and the team from the Tufts Digital Design Studio, including Kimberly Lynn Forero-Arnias, and Miles Donovan.

Find out more about the World Peace Foundation at worldpeacefoundation.org, and follow us on X at @worldpeacefdtn.