by Mei Ching Liu
Abstract: This article explores the concept of lethality in the autonomous weapon systems (AWS) debate by examining the arguments for and against the inclusion of this concept within the definition of these systems. The arguments both for and against such inclusion carry significant implications for international security, as the definition of AWS will directly shape the scope of any future regulatory
framework. As there appears to be a provisional agreement to include the concept, this article examines the proposed definitions and evaluates the implications of their adoption—ranging from the architecture of a potential regulatory framework to the risk of conflating international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
Keywords: Autonomous weapon systems, Lethal autonomous weapon systems, Artificial intelligence, Lethality, Non-lethal weapon
