Executive Summary
This thesis examines the European Union's exclusion of military AI from its AI Act, creating a critical governance gap amidst rising geopolitical instability and AI deployment in conflicts. It explores legal and policy implications, arguing for a hybrid, multi-level framework to reconcile Member State sovereignty with collective responsibility. The research proposes pathways for the EU to develop a tailored governance framework for military AI, aligning with its values and strategic objectives.
Why It Matters
This document is crucial for defense and geopolitical analysts as it dissects the EU's regulatory vacuum concerning military AI, highlighting the strategic implications of fragmented governance on defense capabilities, ethical standards, and geopolitical standing.
Key Takeaways
- The EU's AI Act explicitly excludes military AI, creating a significant governance gap that undermines the Union's strategic objectives and ethical leadership.
- A lack of universally agreed definitions for concepts like Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) hinders effective international and regional regulation.
- The thesis advocates for a hybrid, multi-level EU governance framework for military AI, leveraging existing legal instruments and institutional mechanisms to ensure ethical oversight and strategic coherence.
Strategic Relevance
The strategic relevance lies in the EU's ambition for strategic autonomy and digital sovereignty, which are directly impacted by the unaddressed governance of military AI. A coherent framework is vital for interoperability, reducing reliance on third-country technologies, and maintaining ethical leadership in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.