Wartime Kill Switch: Human or AI?

As modern warfare becomes increasingly automated and AI-reliant, questions arise about the use of a “kill switch” overriding autonomous weapons in conflict zones. Should the ultimate decision be in humans’ or AI’s hands? Those arguing for human oversight say moral reasoning, empathy, and legal accountability are essential, especially in wartime. Supporters of AI integration argue that machines can make faster, more precise, and less emotional decisions, which could prove more humane than past approaches. Now we debate: Wartime Kill Switch: Human or AI?

Arguing "Human":

Elliot Ackerman, Former Marine Raider Officer and CIA Special Activities Officer; Bestselling Author

Laura Walker McDonald, Senior Advisor for New Technologies & Conflict at the International Committee of the Red Cross

Arguing "AI":

Michael C. Horowitz, Senior Fellow for Technology and Innovation at the Council on Foreign Relations; Director of Perry World House and Richard Perry Professor at the University of Pennsylvania

Jack Shanahan, Inaugural Director of Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, Office of the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates

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