AI, Ethics, and Human Values

Abstract During the 2010s, drones offered hope for a “cleaner,” more targeted and ethically acceptable form of warfare. The brutal reality of two major conflicts since 2022 has highlighted a form of technological disappointment. The rapid development of AI lacks a clear regulatory framework. The conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza are characterized by a lack of respect for human values. The utilization of partially autonomous military drones raises questions about the ethical use of AI in armed conflicts. The deployment of drones significantly increases the distance between the operator, who does not have a clear perception of the impact of the weapon being used. This lack of ethical responsibility depersonalizes the nature of these two conflicts. Such objectification jeopardizes respect for human values as protected by international humanitarian law. In today’s tense geopolitical climate, using autonomous weapons for short-term efficiency highlights the need to update international legal frameworks.