Military AI & Security
How AI is used in military contexts, arms races, autonomous weapons, and international security — and what governance frameworks exist or are needed to manage these risks.
Trajectory
Uncontrolled proliferation
Main driver
No enforceable control; spread to non-state actors
Leading actors
Non-state actors; military splinter groups; authoritarian states
State in 2040
Uncontrolled; authoritarian suppression
The uncontrolled use of military AI has contributed to a destabilisation of the global order. AI-supported weapons systems developed by leading technology companies are not only used by governments, but also by non-governmental actors and military splinter groups. An arms race is under way as states fear being overtaken by geopolitical rivals and losing access to resources. The lack of enforceable international AI control mechanisms is contributing to the escalation of military conflicts. In authoritarian states, AI is used specifically to suppress opposition.