HUMAN CONTROL AND THE ETHICS OF FORCE: NAVIGATING ACCOUNTABILITY IN MODERN WARFARE

AUTHOR – DR. C. ANITA FABIYOLA, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, CHENNAI DR. AMBEDKAR GOVT LAW COLLEGE, TIRUVALLUR

BEST CITATION – DR. C. ANITA FABIYOLA, HUMAN CONTROL AND THE ETHICS OF FORCE: NAVIGATING ACCOUNTABILITY IN MODERN WARFARE, ILE CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW, 2 (3) OF 2023, PG. 41-45, APIS – 3920 – 0006 | ISSN – 2583-7168

ABSTRACT

The use of force in war is a critical issue in both international law and ethics, with profound implications for human rights, justice, and accountability. Human control over the use of force in warfare is designed to prevent unnecessary harm, protect civilians, and ensure that the actions taken during armed conflict are legally and morally justifiable. This control is primarily established through international treaties, conventions, and protocols, and it is reinforced by ethical considerations about the proportionality and necessity of violence in war. As technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous weapon systems, play an increasing role in modern warfare, the question of maintaining human control over the use of force becomes more complex and urgent. Key issues explored include the erosion of human accountability, the moral limitations of AI-driven decision-making, and the complexities of ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law. Additionally, the paper addresses the risks of exacerbating asymmetric warfare, the proliferation of autonomous weapons, and the potential for disempowering human judgment in combat. By assessing current technological trends and regulatory efforts, this article provides an in-depth analysis of the need for robust human oversight, ethical programming, and international cooperation to ensure that the use of force in warfare remains accountable, just, and aligned with global norms and humanitarian principles.