Exploring the Impact of Autonomous Weapons Usage: A NextGen Discussion

Weapons with some degree of autonomy have featured in warfare for decades. Still, the advent of artificial intelligence and related technological advances such as machine learning have enabled such weapons systems to complete a larger proportion of their mission than ever before – from choosing routes through to engaging a target. The rise of autonomous weapons has led to intensified debates on ethics, the conduct of war, and how such weapons could either increase or curtail the excesses of war.

This session will tackle both sides of the debate and will appeal to those working in technology-related fields as well as those with a more general interest in defence and security.

• Taniel Yusef, Visiting Researcher, Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, University of Cambridge
• Elizabeth Minor, Advisor, Article36
• Paddy Walker, Associate Fellow, RUSI

Chaired by Patrick Hinton, Chief of the General Staff’s Visiting Fellow, RUSI 

The NextGen initiative is a new RUSI-led network where young professionals can come together, understand and engage in global issues, build a network and support one another through the early stages of their careers. You can find out more about the initiative here.

Please note that this event is in-person only and places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Anna Romanovská, Membership Marketing Executive, at nextgen@rusi.org.

Please make sure to arrive at 17:00 on the day of the event to confirm your place. Tea and coffee will be available upon arrival. The panel will begin promptly at 17:30, followed by a Q&A session.