Open Submissions

Legality of Autonomous Weapons Systems and their Implications on Existing International Humanitarian Law Principles Approach: New Haven School of International Legal Theory

Authors

  • Sai Venkatesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21827/5d5141e815f80

Keywords:

AUTONOMOUS WEAPONS; NEW HAVEN APPROACH; INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to legally analyze the issues surrounding the use and regulation of Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) and their implications on the existing principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The research and mode of approach towards this issue will be directed in consonance with the New Haven School of International Legal Thought. The paper will begin by defining the terms ‘AWS’ and ‘New Haven school’ for the purpose of this study. Subsequently, it will highlight the various notable issues of contention with relation to existing principles of IHL. In doing so, the paper will earmark these issues under the scope of the New Haven method and conclude exclusively to that school of international thought. 

In its conclusion, this paper will emphasize the need for AWS in today’s world, and how regulation, rather than prohibition, would be the ideal solution towards addressing the conundrum of their legality. It will also distinguish the key elements of the New Haven school and how these were directly incorporated into this paper so as to arrive at the predicated resolution, emphasizing the need for legality of AWS to attain world peace and order. 

Published

2019-08-27