August 07, 2023

Artificial Intelligence on the Modern Battlefield - Exploring Interdisciplinary Efforts with Colonel Chris Korpela and Professor Hitoshi Nasu

41 minutes

Join the conversation as we delve into the future of autonomous weapons, bringing together two experts from different fields to explore the potential benefits, risks, and ethical considerations surrounding this rapidly advancing technology.

Professor Hitoshi Nasu, Professor of Law and expert on international security law, the law of armed conflict, and the law of weaponry, discusses incorporating the law of armed conflict into technological developments and the necessity of providing a well-rounded discussion to the integration of new technology on the battlefield. Recently retired Colonel Christopher Korpela, a seasoned military practitioner, and researcher in robotics and autonomous systems, discusses the complexities behind incorporating autonomous technologies into military operations. He highlights improved efficiency and reduced risks to human life as some of the key benefits.

The conversation addresses misconceptions, emphasizes the need for public support, and highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in refining perspectives and finding innovative solutions for the complexities of autonomous weapons. Explore these technologies' potential and lawful operation and join us in envisioning a safer and more secure world.

Chapter Summaries;

(0:00:02) - Start of the episode and introduction to the topic of AI and Robotics in modern warfare.

(0:02:00) - Introduction to the guests, Korpela and Nasu, and their collaboration.

(0:13:05) - Discussion on the differences between, and challenges of, autonomy and artificial intelligence in warfare, including the DoD's efforts to define a lethal autonomous weapons system.

(0:17:05) - Discussion on the ethical and moral arguments against using technology in warfare.

(0:26:20) - Discussion on the technical parameters for autonomous military systems, including the potential inclusion of legal parameters within the technology.

(0:30:00) - Insight into the potential to team autonomous systems with soldiers.

(0:31:17) – Discussion on how this work is developing discussions with external partners and cadets in the classroom.

(0:35:00) - Discussion on how autonomous systems could replace legacy systems and shift command responsibility.

(0:37:00) - Discussion on the future changes autonomous systems may bring in the chain of command responsibility.

(0:39:00) - Speculation on the potential changes autonomous systems may bring to the battlefield.

(0:41:12) - Conclusion of the episode and final thoughts on the future of AI in warfare.

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Resources mentioned in the episode:

“Stop the Killer Robot Debate” article: https://on.cfr.org/3OBEEZm
Learn more about the Robotics Research Center: https://bit.ly/WP_Robotics
Learn more about the Lieber Institute of Law and Land Warfare: https://lieber.westpoint.edu

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Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academics

This episode does not imply Federal endorsement. 

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