By Sheikh Mohammed Ahmed Al-Sabah
KUWAIT: Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of machines or programs to perform tasks that normally need human intelligence. This could include reasoning, learning and decision-making. AI has many applications in many fields, such as medicine, education, entertainment and business. But one of the most controversial and debated areas where AI is used is warfare.
Warfare has been a part of human history since ancient times. It has changed over time with the development of new technologies and strategies. One of the latest technologies that has influenced warfare is AI.
Imagine AI as a powerful soap made for hands. Just as the soap is designed for a specific purpose, AI can make war safer by analyzing data and targeting enemies more precisely. Supporters believe it can reduce harm to civilians and the environment. But, there are ethical worries - like how the soap could be harmful if used on the face. Similarly, if AI is misused or used for the wrong reasons, it could lead to problems. This article explores both sides of using AI in wars, looking at the good it can do and the ethical issues we need to think about.
Benefits of AI in Warfare
One of the main benefits of using AI is that it can help to collect and analyze large amounts of data from various sources. Data from satellites, drones, sensors, and cameras are very important when deciding on war. This data provides valuable information and intelligence for military commanders and soldiers. Commanders can use it to know the location, movement, and behavior of enemies, allies, and civilians. AI can also help soldiers process and communicate this information faster and more efficiently, improving the speed and accuracy of decision-making and action.
Another benefit is that it can help target enemies precisely and effectively compared with the traditional method. It can minimize collateral damage and civilian casualties. Using advanced algorithms and machine learning, AI can identify, track and engage targets, as well as adjust and optimize weapons and tactics. AI can also help to coordinate and control many autonomous systems like robots, drones and missiles, which can operate in complex and dynamic environments.
The hope is that using AI can lower the human cost and environmental impact of wars. AI can save the lives and resources of soldiers and civilians and reduce the destruction and pollution of natural and cultural heritage. This can help us prevent and resolve conflicts by providing better information and analysis. The goal is to facilitate dialogue and negotiation between two parties.
Risks of AI in Warfare
However, using AI also comes with many risks and challenges. One is that enemies can use AI for malicious and unethical purposes, such as cyberattacks, espionage, sabotage and terrorism. The unresponsible organization also might use it to hack, manipulate and destroy critical infrastructure and systems in enemy areas. Destroying power grids, communication networks, and financial institutions are very critical in warfare. AI can also influence public opinion and behavior by spreading propaganda, and fake news.
Another risk of using AI in warfare is that it can create new and unpredictable threats and dangers, such as accidents, errors, and failures. AI can malfunction or behave in unexpected ways. This can happen when it faces complex and uncertain situations, or when it interacts with other AI systems. If AI is hacked or corrupted by adversaries, it can alter or override its goals and functions. AI can be difficult to track and control, especially when it operates independently without human supervision or intervention.
The fear is that AI will compromise the human dignity and security of people and the environment. AI can endanger the lives and rights of soldiers and civilians, as well as damage the stability and peace of the world. AI can also create new ethical and moral dilemmas, such as who is responsible and accountable for the actions and outcomes of AI, and how to ensure that AI respects and follows the laws and values of humanity.
Conclusion
AI is a powerful technology that can have both positive and negative effects on warfare. AI can help to reduce the harm that wars cause to people and the environment, but it can also increase the risks and dangers of warfare. AI is not something that works on its own; it depends on the people who use it to reach its goals. AI is a tool; like any tool, its quality and effect depend on its user.
So, if we establish a global regulatory group that oversees the use of AI in warfare, we can ensure that it does not leave the people who use artificial intelligence without ethics. This group would watch how AI is used and what the results are. It would also make rules for the countries that use AI. By monitoring usage and results and setting points for participating countries, this group can encourage the responsible and ethical use of AI in warfare. The goal is to lower the amount of disorder, violence and harm that wars bring.
A good AI is not controlled by the desires of the powerful but by the values of ethics and humanity. A promising AI respects the dignity and rights of all living beings and the environment. Showing the connection of AI with wars and how technology can be managed is a step towards a future where AI is used in a good and fair way in warfare.
NOTE: Sheikh Mohammed Ahmed Al-Sabah is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Artificial Intelligence of Things