Meier, Michael W. --- "The strategic implications of lethal autonomous weapons" [2017] ELECD 1283; in Ohlin, David Jens (ed), "Research Handbook on Remote Warfare" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2017) 443

Book Title: Research Handbook on Remote Warfare

Editor(s): Ohlin, David Jens

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781784716981

Section: Chapter 14

Section Title: The strategic implications of lethal autonomous weapons

Author(s): Meier, Michael W.

Number of pages: 36

Abstract/Description:

Over the past 15 years the public has become more aware of the issues surrounding autonomy in weapons systems. Unfortunately, much of the information comes from sensationalized portrayals in the media. Long before the current debate, an original Star Trek episode from the 1960s, ‘Taste of Armageddon’, looked at automation and warfare. In that episode, two worlds, Eminiar and Vendikar, had been engaged in an armed conflict for over 500 years using a sophisticated computer program, which simulated attacks and designated casualties on both sides. Once designated by the computer as a casualty, the person was required to report to a disintegration chamber. When Captain Kirk and his party arrive on Eminiar to meet with their leaders, he is told that the computer has determined that the Enterprise was destroyed in an attack and the entire crew must report to the disintegration chambers. Anan, their leader, informs Captain Kirk that if one side fails to have their casualties report, then actual weapons will be used. Captain Kirk refuses to send his crew to their deaths and admonishes Anan that they have made war so neat and painless that neither side has any need to stop it. He tells them it is the horror of war that makes it something to be avoided and by eliminating this aspect, the parties have simply allowed the war to go on for over 500 years.