A cybersystemic view of autonomous weapon systems (AWS)

Abstract

Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWSs) are perhaps one of the most contentious forms of technology. However, the notion of an AWS is not easily defined since its differentiating feature from a weapon is the autonomous system. This lends itself to a systems approach to making sense of what constitutes an AWS.This paper's aim is to examine how a systemic perspective can aid our understanding of an AWS. It is proposed that an AWS can be interpreted in terms of three pillars. Firstly is system, which, when viewed in terms of self-regulating systems, leads to the second pillar which is autonomy. Underpinning the functioning of these self-regulating systems is the third pillar, values, manifesting in their legal and moral considerations. The UK approach to AWS, revealed in a number of recent Ministry of defence documents is explored using the three pillars. This provides a rich insight into the complexity associated with AWS and the challenge of defining what constitutes the system, the nature of autonomy and how values govern their use, in particular legal compliance and ethical judgement. It is concluded that the three pillars offers a useful framework to make sense of the complexity of other forms of autonomous technological systems.