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I M A G E C O U R T E S Y O F Q I N E T I Q N O R T H A M E R I C A

principles of international humanitarian law (IHL)b must trump utilitarian calculations. Therefore, those who believe the benefits of LAWS justify their use and therefore oppose a ban, are intent that LAWS do not become a special case within IHL. Demonstrating that LAWS pose unique challenges b Four principles of IHL provide protection for civilians: distinction, necessity and proportionality, humane treatment, and nondiscrimination.

FROM APRIL 11–15, 2016, at the United Nations Office at Ge- neva, the Convention on Cer- tain Conventional Weapons (CCW) conducted a third year of informal meetings to hear expert testimony regarding a preemptive ban on lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS). A total of 94 states attended the meeting, and at the end of the week they agreed by consensus to recommend the formation of an open-ended Group of Government Experts (GGE). A GGE is the next step in forging a concrete proposal upon which the member states could vote. By the end of 2016 a preemptive ban has been called for by 19 states. Furthermore, meaningful human control, a phrase first proposed by advocates for a ban, has been adopted by nearly all the states, although the phrase’s meaning is contested. Thus a ban on LAWS would appear to have gained momentum. Even the large military powers, notably the U.S., have publicly stated that they will support a ban if that is the will of the member states. Behind the scenes, however, the principal powers express their serious disinclination to embrace a ban. Many of the smaller states will follow their lead. The hurdles in the way of a successful campaign to ban LAWS remain daunting, but are not insurmountable.

The debate to date has been charac-
terized by a succession of arguments
and counterarguments by proponents
and opponents of a ban. This back
and forth should not be interpreted as
either a stalemate or a simple calcula-
tion as to whether the harms of LAWS
can be offset by their benefits. For all
states that are signatories to the laws
of armed conflict,a any violation of the
a LOAC, also known as International Humani-
tarian Law (IHL), is codified in the Geneva
Conventions and additional Protocols. The
laws seek to limit the effects of armed conflict,
particularly the protection of non-combatants.

Viewpoint
Toward a Ban on Lethal
Autonomous Weapons:
Surmounting the Obstacles

A 10-point plan toward fashioning a proposal to ban some—if not all—lethal autonomous weapons.

DOI: 10.1145/2998579

The Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System is an unmanned ground vehicle for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions.