Would combat without humans be more humane?: Philosophical Issues and Ethical Debates Regarding the Robotization of Battlefield

Drones, autonomous weapons, artificial intelligence: the robotization of the battlefield promises to protect combatants, improve accuracy, and reduce casualties. But it also distances humans from the act of killing, blurs the line between combatants and civilians, and fragments accountability. At the intersection of philosophy, military ethics, and international humanitarian law, this book examines the transformations of war: Can we entrust a machine with a life-or-death decision? Can a robot respect the principles of distinction and proportionality? Who will be held accountable for its mistakes? Without succumbing to technophilia or doomsday scenarios, this book examines the promises, risks, and limits of military autonomy. It advocates for three requirements: effective human oversight, clearly established responsibilities, and international regulation capable of preserving humanity at the heart of war.