Artificial intelligence as a strategic and ethical disruptor: Lessons for peace, security and governance in South Asia

South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and neighbouring countries, faces natural disasters, geopolitical upheaval and economic insecurity. The region's vulnerability to cyclones, floods, earthquakes, droughts and fragile security institutions needs strong disaster management and defence programmes. Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed national security, resource allocation and catastrophe response in recent years. This rapid growth poses risks, particularly in information warfare, where social media bots and deep fakes threaten democratic trust and political stability. This exploratory qualitative study examines AI in South Asian disaster management, military modernisation and information warfare. The research interviewed 320 participants from eight South Asian countries using semi-structured interviews. Among them were politicians, military personnel, media professionals, crisis management experts and cybersecurity specialists. The study used snowball sampling and purposefully sampled all major stakeholders and used theme analysis to find repeating trends and new ethical issues. The findings reveal that AI-powered early warning systems in India and Bangladesh have improved disaster preparedness and response, notably for cyclones and floods. AI-powered military technologies like predictive surveillance and self-driving drones have given Pakistan and India strategic independence. Budgetary and technological constraints prevent implementation in Bhutan and the Maldives. AI-enabled disinformation campaigns are swaying South Asian public opinion, eroding democratic confidence and deepening societal gaps, which is alarming. AI may cause instability, but it can also build resilience. To maximise benefits and minimise misuse, an integrated regional governance framework is needed to ensure ethical deployment, democratic integrity and cooperative security. Innovation and ethics must be balanced for South Asia's stability and long-term sustainability.