Description
This monograph challenges the Department of War to reframe the conversation about humans’ involvement in lethal autonomous weapons systems by codifying a human-centric framework built on the employment pillars of certification, authority, restriction, and accountability. Although an ample body of literature discusses lethal autonomous weapon systems, this monograph takes a novel approach by proposing a theoretical framework and applying it to historical and hypothetical practical scenarios involving weapons with autonomous characteristics. In terms of methodology, the monograph relies heavily on primary sources, including UN documents and Department of War publications, which are augmented by secondary sources from experts in the field and creative speculation about the characteristics of future warfare. The study’s conclusions will help US military and policy practitioners manage and integrate lethal autonomous weapon systems. This study is designed to spark a necessary and likely uncomfortable conversation about when relying on lethal machines is appropriate. The monograph provides tangible recommendations to help shape future policy decisions about developing and employing lethal autonomous weapon systems.
ISBN
1-58487-873-8
Publication Date
1-12-2026
Publisher
USAWC Press
City
Carlisle Barracks, PA
Keywords
lethal autonomous weapon systems, loitering munitions, emerging technology, swarm, drones, future war, killer robots
Disciplines
Defense and Security Studies | Military and Veterans Studies | Peace and Conflict Studies | Science and Technology Studies
Recommended Citation
Brennan Deveraux,
A Human-Centric Framework: Employment Principles for Lethal Autonomous Weapons (Carlisle Barracks, PA: US Army War College Press, 2026),
https://press.armywarcollege.edu/monographs/984
Included in
Defense and Security Studies Commons, Military and Veterans Studies Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, Science and Technology Studies Commons
