AI for arms control: how artificial intelligence can foster verification and support arms control

In: PRIF Spotlight / Peace Research Institute Frankfurt, Leibniz-Institut Hessische Stiftung Friedens- und Konfliktforschung, 2022/1

Abstract

Time and again, modern technology has enhanced arms control - with satellites, surveillance planes or more potent sensory equipment – to detect traces of forbidden substances. More recently, uncrewed vehicles found their way into the arsenals of arms control inspectors, enhancing verification. A very promising yet more difficult application will be to make use of artificial intelligence (AI) in arms control. However, many people have mixed emotions when it comes to AI, and exaggerated hopes as well as unjustified fears dominate the debate. The aim of this paper is to dispel reservations and, based on small projects, show how AI can be used in a reasonable way to enhance arms control and verification without getting caught up in hype.