LA IA Y LA TECNOLOGÍA AUTONOMA EN LA GUERRA CONTEMPORÁNEA: RIESGOS Y OPORTUNIDADES PARA LA PROTECCIÓN DE LOS CIVILES.

AI and autonomy are potentially revolutionising warfare, thus constituting an emerging risk for the civilian population affected by armed conflicts. As advanced systems increasingly populate modern battlefields, risks and opportunities beyond augmented military effectiveness beg clarification. This paper will reflect on how contemporary AI development and IHL are entwined. It will first present an overview of modern AI-enabled and autonomous technology deployed for military decision-making and targeting. Second, it will set the legal scene through the current international processes, and existing principles on State responsibility and IHL. Third, it will address the protection of civilians under three thematic areas: the technical complexity associated with ethical and legal challenges in targeting law; the arguments surrounding the use of targeting systems to enhance civilian protection; and the 'peaceful' use of systems for humanitarian purposes. Ultimately, it will conclude that any humanitarian assessment of the technology risks relying on speculation due to technical complexity and circumstances of use, thereby reinforcing the importance of States' cooperation in the voluntary exchange of best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]