South Korea has taken center stage in the global discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) in military applications, hosting a two-day international summit in Seoul aimed at establishing guidelines for the responsible use of AI in defense. The event, which began on Monday, September 9, 2024, has drawn representatives from over 90 countries, including major powers like the United States and China.
This summit marks the second of its kind, following last year's gathering in Amsterdam where nations endorsed a modest “call to action” without legal commitments. The Seoul meeting aims to push the conversation further, targeting a more comprehensive “blueprint” for AI use in military contexts.
South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun highlighted the double-edged nature of AI in military in his opening address. He pointed to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, where AI-enabled Ukrainian drones have demonstrated significant tactical advantages. “As AI is applied to the military domain, the military's operational capabilities are dramatically improved. However, it is like a double-edged sword, as it can cause damage from abuse,” Kim stated.
The summit's agenda covers crucial areas such as ensuring compliance with international law and preventing autonomous weapons from making life-or-death decisions without human oversight. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul emphasized these points, underscoring the need for responsible AI development in military applications.
While the summit aims to establish minimum guardrails for military AI use, it's important to note that any resulting agreement is not expected to have binding enforcement powers. The challenge lies in balancing technological advancement with ethical considerations and international security.
This gathering is part of a broader international dialogue on AI in military. The United Nations, through its Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, is separately discussing potential restrictions on lethal autonomous weapons systems. Additionally, the U.S. government launched its own declaration on responsible military AI use last year, which has garnered support from 55 countries as of August 2024.
The Seoul summit, co-hosted by the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, has attracted about 2,000 global participants, including representatives from international organizations, academia, and the private sector. This diverse attendance reflects the multi-stakeholder nature of the issue, where private sector innovation drives technological development, but governments remain the primary decision-makers.
As the summit progresses, all eyes will be on the potential outcomes and the level of international consensus that can be achieved. The event represents a critical step in shaping the future of AI in military applications, balancing innovation with responsibility in an increasingly complex global security landscape.
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