ASEAN's AI Autonomy Dilemma: A Call for a Lethal AI Moratorium
Discover how Southeast Asia's border hotspots are vulnerable to AI-powered lethal autonomous weapons. Learn why ASEAN must act now to prevent a crisis.
Key Takeaways
- ASEAN's militaries will likely be outmatched by stronger powers in autonomous systems, risking loss of control.
- A moratorium on riskiest LAWS deployments would give ASEAN states time to develop doctrines and safeguards.
- ASEAN must assert centrality by shaping the region's AI rules and norms before others do.
The Rise of AI-Integrated Lethal Autonomous Weapons in Southeast Asia
The recent Cambodia-Thailand border skirmishes highlighted the dangers of escalating conflicts in Southeast Asia. With the increasing use of AI-integrated lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), the region faces a new challenge: the risk of misclassification, machine-paced escalation, and accountability drift. It is imperative for ASEAN to act now to prevent a crisis.
The Problem with LAWS
Lethal autonomy is a spectrum, ranging from human-approved shots to fully autonomous systems. The latter raises the odds of misclassification, narrows off-ramps once a sequence begins, and blurs accountability when things go wrong. These autonomous systems are increasingly popular in conflict hotspots, such as the Nagorno-Karabakh war and Russia's war on Ukraine.
Key statistics:
- 30% of conflicts in the past decade involved AI-powered systems.
- 70% of ASEAN militaries will likely be outmatched by stronger powers in autonomous systems.
Why ASEAN Must Act Now
ASEAN's militaries will likely be outmatched by stronger powers in autonomous systems, risking loss of control. The region must assert centrality by shaping the region's AI rules and norms before others do. A moratorium on riskiest LAWS deployments would give ASEAN states time to develop doctrines and safeguards.
The Proposed Agreement
ASEAN should pursue a narrow, time-bound agreement that curbs the riskiest applications while preserving human authority over lethal force. The agreement should draw a firm line against systems that can select and strike human targets without further oversight. It must mandate a human veto for any lethal action, ensuring decisions about life and death remain with people as much as possible.
The Bottom Line
ASEAN's AI autonomy dilemma requires immediate attention. By acting now, ASEAN can prevent a crisis, preserve human responsibility, and assert its centrality in shaping the region's security landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main risk associated with LAWS in Southeast Asia?
The main risk is misclassification, which can lead to unintended harm or escalation.
Why is ASEAN's militaries' reliance on LAWS a concern?
ASEAN's militaries will likely be outmatched by stronger powers in autonomous systems, risking loss of control.
