Artificial intelligence (AI) and other new technologies are becoming a key factor in modern warfare in the military sphere, as is already evident in Ukraine, for example. The third chapter of the recently published Peace Report (in German) — which is issued annually by the four German peace and conflict research institutes PRIF, bicc, INEF, and IFSH — is devoted to this topic. To mark the occasion, PRIF, the Frankfurter Rundschau, and the Catholic Academy Rabanus Maurus hosted a panel discussion at the Haus am Dom in Frankfurt on June 11. The panel included Özlem Alev Demirel, a politician from the Left Party and Member of the European Parliament, Helene Pleil, Senior Policy Researcher on Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats at the think tank interface, and Niklas Schörnig, Senior Researcher at PRIF and Head of the “Emerging Disruptive Technologies” research group, which is part of the joint project CNTR. Andreas Schwarzkopf, head of the Opinion section at the Frankfurter Rundschau, moderated the panel discussion.
At the outset, the panelists explained the extent to which AI is used in the military and in warfare. For instance, it not only optimizes training within the Bundeswehr but is also employed to support espionage and disinformation operations. In addition, it plays a role in active combat operations, particularly in target selection and decision-making. Pleil illustrated the tension: On the one hand, AI can provide security by helping to address vulnerabilities in one’s own defense; on the other hand, it creates new uncertainties and dangers for the civilian population, as adversaries also use AI tools. In ongoing wars, for example, there is a high number of civilian casualties.
The panelists agreed on the dangers posed by AI technologies: the accelerated pace resulting from the use of AI is dangerous. Schörnig explained that, especially in conflicts, it is important to take the time to reconsider the next steps. Since AI greatly accelerates processes, there is less time for diplomacy. In addition, both Pleil and Demirel drew attention to the global asymmetry in AI usage. While economically powerful states have access to new technologies, poorer countries find themselves at a disadvantage.
This led to the final subtopic of the discussion: How can the risks posed by new technologies be mitigated? The panelists agreed that a voluntary commitment by nations to the responsible use of AI could be more effective than attempting global regulation. However, control and disarmament treaties based on mutual trust and dialogue would be necessary for more peaceful coexistence.
To watch the recording of the panel discussion on YouTube: Neue Technologien, neue Realitäten der Sicherheit? (in German)
To the PRIF talk with Niklas Schörnig: KI, Krieg und Kontrolle (in German)