Artificial Intelligence in Armed Conflict: Responsibility and Legal Reforms to Ensure Compliance with International Humanitarian Law

Abstract

The growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into military operations presents significant and unique challenges for international humanitarian law (IHL). This dissertation aims to answer the question of the extent to which AI-enabled weapons challenge compliance with IHL, and how effective potential reforms are in addressing these challenges. It first explores current and emerging military AI technologies and the application of IHL, analysing the risks posed to the core principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. It then identifies the main compliance challenges introduced by the deployment of AI-enabled weapons in the conduct of hostilities. These include the weakening of human judgment, responsibility gaps in both state and individual responsibility within the chain of command, and the fragmentation caused by the absence of international consensus. Finally, the dissertation considers potential responses, focusing on strengthening Article 36 weapons review procedures under Additional Protocol I, implementing human rights and ethical oversight, and developing enforceable international standards to ensure meaningful human control. It argues that while IHL remains the central legal framework governing armed conflict, it requires urgent strengthening through binding legal, ethical, and governance reforms. Ultimately, the discussion contributes to ongoing debates on the future of warfare by clarifying the limits of the IHL framework, evaluating the effectiveness of proposed reforms, and highlighting the need for a coherent regulatory approach capable of responding effectively to rapid technological change.