Bots, Bullets, and Bureaucracy

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On May 12, 2025, nations convened at the United Nations to address the pressing issue of regulating autonomous weapons powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

These AI-driven systems are increasingly deployed in conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza. Despite their growing use, binding international standards to govern them remain largely absent.

Since 2014, discussions under the Convention on Conventional Weapons have sought to control fully autonomous systems, but progress has been slow.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has set a 2026 deadline for establishing clear regulations.

However, consensus among key states like the U.S., Russia, China, and India remains elusive, as they prefer national guidelines over global treaties.

Over 200 autonomous weapon systems are reportedly active globally, with countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Israel utilising them.

Human rights groups warn of potential violations and a looming AI arms race if regulations are not swiftly enacted.

The New York meeting marks the UN General Assembly’s first dedicated discussion on this issue, aiming to catalyse legal frameworks before the next round of talks in September.

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