South Korea to Outline AI Military Strategy at Upcoming Summit

On September 9, 2024, South Korea convened a significant international summit in Seoul to address the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military settings. This summit, which includes over 90 participating countries such as the United States and China, marks the second international effort to establish guidelines for military AI. The first such summit occurred in Amsterdam last year, where a non-binding "call to action" was endorsed by major nations, aiming to promote discussions about AI's role in defense without imposing legal obligations.

During the summit, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun highlighted both the potential and risks of AI in warfare. He cited the Ukrainian military’s use of AI-enhanced drones during the ongoing conflict with Russia as an example of how AI can provide a strategic advantage by overcoming obstacles like signal jamming and facilitating coordinated operations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). However, Kim also warned of the double-edged nature of AI technology, emphasizing that its misuse could lead to significant harm.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul outlined the summit's agenda, which includes discussions on ensuring that AI applications in the military comply with international law. Key topics include creating mechanisms to prevent autonomous weapons from making critical decisions without human oversight and exploring legal frameworks to guide the ethical use of military AI. The goal is to develop a detailed action plan that establishes a baseline for AI usage in the military, reflecting existing international principles from NATO and other frameworks, although this plan is expected to be non-binding.

The summit represents a broader international effort to regulate military AI applications. The U.N.'s Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) is engaged in discussions about restricting lethal autonomous weapons systems to ensure they adhere to international humanitarian law. Additionally, the U.S. government has introduced a declaration on the responsible use of AI in military contexts, which has been endorsed by 55 countries as of August 2024.

Co-hosted by South Korea along with the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, the Seoul summit aims to continue fostering global dialogue on military AI. Approximately 2,000 participants are expected, including representatives from international organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector. The discussions will cover a range of issues, including strategies for civilian protection and the integration of AI in managing nuclear weapons.

The summit highlights the critical need for collaborative efforts in regulating artificial intelligence (AI), given the rapid pace at which technological advancements are being driven by innovations from the private sector. This sector, characterized by its dynamic and competitive nature, often pushes the boundaries of what AI can achieve, leading to significant advancements that may outpace existing regulatory frameworks. At the same time, national and international policies play a crucial role in shaping how these technologies are governed and ensuring they are used responsibly.

By bringing together representatives from over 90 countries, along with experts from various sectors including academia, international organizations, and the private industry, the summit underscores the importance of a unified approach to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. This collaborative effort aims to establish guidelines and principles for the ethical and responsible use of AI, particularly in sensitive areas such as military applications.

The discussions focus on creating a balanced framework that can accommodate rapid technological changes while maintaining robust oversight and compliance with international laws. This involves addressing concerns about autonomous weapons, ensuring human oversight in critical decisions, and developing mechanisms to prevent misuse. The summit's emphasis on collaboration reflects a broader recognition that effective AI governance requires input from diverse stakeholders to develop comprehensive and adaptable regulations that keep pace with technological progress.