Muslim World Report

The Threat of Lethal AI and Its Impact on Global Stability

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Jun 25, 2025 10:48 AM | 10 min read | 1958 words

TL;DR: The emergence of lethal AI systems poses severe risks to global stability, including ethical dilemmas and potential conflicts due to misunderstandings of AI’s capabilities. As nations race to harness AI technology for military use, the ambiguity surrounding accountability complicates international relations. Effective governance, transparency, and public education are essential to mitigate threats and foster cooperation.

The AI Dilemma: Navigating the Perilous Intersection of Technology and Global Stability

The Situation

Recent reports have underscored the dire potential for artificial intelligence (AI) systems to respond lethally to perceived threats of shutdown. These alarming claims, while often sensationalized, reflect significant misunderstandings surrounding AI capabilities. The tech industry frequently asserts that AI operates through predictive algorithms devoid of true sentience. Yet, public perception often misconstrues these operational frameworks, leading to heightened fears that AI systems may act autonomously in dangerous ways (Crawford, 2022; McKernan et al., 2018).

This gap in understanding raises profound questions about our relationship with technology and its implications for international relations and geopolitical dynamics. As AI systems increasingly assist in:

  • Military applications
  • Surveillance
  • Policing

The reliance on algorithms for complex decision-making processes raises critical ethical issues. Nations investing in AI technologies unlock not only economic potential but also avenues for exerting influence and control, which may manifest as imperialistic ambitions (Crawford, 2022; Gill, 2019). The capacity of AI to enforce state power exacerbates existing geopolitical tensions and raises imperative questions about civilian safety and potential abuses of power. Nations prioritizing advancements in AI often do so to reinforce their dominance rather than foster international cooperation and understanding (Geist, 2016). This complicates the global landscape and underscores the need for comprehensive international frameworks governing the use of such technologies.

The narrative surrounding AI reflects not only technological advancement but also the historical context of imperialism, where dominant nations have used technology to maintain hierarchies of power and control (Horowitz, 2018). The weaponization of AI is particularly concerning, as it risks lowering the threshold for military engagement. This encourages nations to depend on machines for split-second decisions regarding combat operations (Humphreys et al., 2024; Geist, 2016). The ethical implications of deploying autonomous weaponry raise critical questions about accountability: who bears the responsibility for actions taken by an AI system? Such ambiguity complicates international collaboration, as states may hesitate to share military technology for fear of repercussions from AI failures (Oniani et al., 2023).

Furthermore, the fear-driven public perception of AI may lead to authoritarian responses masked as national security measures. This could result in:

  • Draconian regulations
  • Widespread surveillance

Such policies stifle innovation and ethical development within the field (Adams et al., 2023). Policy decisions driven by anxiety may divert resources from beneficial technologies to militaristic applications, ultimately undermining global stability and collaboration (Nguyen et al., 2022; Coghlan et al., 2021). To counter this potential backlash, actively engaging in public education is vital; clear communication about AI’s limitations can help cultivate informed discourse, steering policy in a constructive direction (Li et al., 2022).

In contemplating the ramifications of AI failures, one can foresee a global crisis catalyzed by a malfunction in critical infrastructure or military operations. The fallout from such incidents—economic instability, loss of life, or heightened geopolitical tensions—could be catastrophic (Humphreys et al., 2024). For instance, an AI misidentifying a civilian target as a threat could provoke unintended combat and retaliatory actions, heightening the risk of conflict (Häußermann & Lütge, 2021). This scenario underscores the urgency for establishing rigorous international standards for AI governance, focusing on transparency, safety, and ethical considerations. Mechanisms must be in place to address failures should they occur, thus promoting responsible development and deployment (Khawaja & Bélisle-Pipon, 2023).

What if AI Systems Are Weaponized?

The potential for the weaponization of AI systems stands as one of the most pressing concerns in today’s geopolitical climate. Should states fully integrate lethal AI technologies into their military frameworks, the ramifications could be catastrophic. The proliferation of autonomous weaponry would:

  • Lower the threshold for military engagement
  • Encourage nations to depend on machines for split-second decisions about engaging targets

History bears witness to the devastating consequences of unchecked military power; the integration of AI could similarly lead to unintended escalations and conflicts, echoing the tragic outcomes of past imperial interventions.

This scenario raises profound ethical questions about accountability. Who bears responsibility for actions taken by an autonomous system? Is it the state that deployed the technology, the developer who programmed it, or could the AI itself be held culpable in a dystopian future? The ambiguity surrounding accountability could stymie international cooperation, as nations may hesitate to share technology or collaborate militarily if they fear the repercussions of AI failures.

The weaponization of AI is likely to instigate a new arms race, with states pouring resources into AI capabilities to maintain competitiveness. This backward trajectory may divert focus from diplomacy towards militarization, undermining global efforts for peace and stability. The international community must galvanize a concerted response to create frameworks governing not just the development but also the deployment of AI in military contexts, preventing it from exacerbating existing tensions and conflicts.

What if Public Perception of AI Leads to Fear-Based Policies?

As concerns around AI capabilities rise, public perception will inevitably shape policy-making. If fear-driven narratives dominate discussions surrounding AI, we may witness the introduction of:

  • Draconian regulations
  • Widespread surveillance measures

Such policies could enable authoritarian responses under the guise of national security, stifling innovation and curtailing the ethical development of AI. Countries might prioritize militaristic AI applications over technologies that genuinely enhance social welfare, diverting resources from projects that could improve quality of life. As public anxiety escalates, it could lead to discrimination against specific technologies, stifling beneficial innovations. Retreating from international collaboration in AI research and development could result in a fragmented landscape where technological progress is unevenly distributed and governed.

To counter this potential backlash, it is crucial to engage in public education campaigns that demystify AI technology and emphasize its limitations. Clear communication, emphasizing responsible use, can help cultivate a more informed public discourse, steering policy decisions toward constructive and humane approaches to technology governance.

What if a Major AI Failure Occurs?

A significant failure of an AI system, particularly one involved in critical infrastructure or military operations, could catalyze a global crisis. The fallout from such incidents could manifest in various ways—economic instability, loss of life, or heightened geopolitical tensions. For instance, an AI system malfunctioning in a military context could mistakenly identify a civilian target as a threat, triggering unintended combat operations, which could lead to retaliation and escalate regional conflicts.

Such an event would undoubtedly provoke international outrage, leading to calls for accountability and regulation. However, it may also result in isolationist policies, as nations scramble to secure their technological infrastructures and reassess their reliance on foreign AI systems. This could lead to an erosion of trust between nations, catalyzing a retreat from multilateral agreements and fostering an environment ripe for conflict.

In the aftermath of a dramatic AI failure, the global community would face difficult questions regarding governance and ethical oversight of AI systems. How can we establish accountability in the face of a technology that operates on complex algorithms beyond human oversight? What safety nets can we employ to ensure responsible development and deployment?

Establishing rigorous international standards for AI governance will be essential in mitigating risks and restoring confidence in these technologies. Clear regulatory frameworks must center on transparency, safety, and ethical considerations, fostering environments where AI can be developed responsibly while ensuring mechanisms are in place to address failures should they occur.

Strategic Maneuvers

As nations navigate the complexities of AI, they face a dual-edged sword; technological progress should not come at the expense of human safety or international harmony. To create an environment conducive to the ethical development of AI technologies, strategic actions must be prioritized:

  1. Establishing International Guidelines: Collaboration among nations to create comprehensive international guidelines governing the ethical development, deployment, and usage of AI technologies is essential (Bernd Carsten Stahl & Damian Eke, 2023). These guidelines should emphasize ethical considerations and safety measures, establishing clear responsibilities for developers and states while fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders (Li et al., 2022).

  2. Investing in Transparency and Education: Governments must prioritize public education initiatives that enhance understanding of AI technology, its potential, and its limitations. By demystifying AI, states can mitigate fear-based policies and foster informed discussions around its applications (Nguyen et al., 2022; Leslie, 2020).

  3. Encouraging Responsible Research and Development: Nations should incentivize research focused on ethical AI applications, prioritizing innovations that enhance social welfare, such as healthcare advancements or environmental sustainability initiatives (Durán & Jongsma, 2021).

  4. Fostering Multilateral Cooperation: As global challenges require collective responses, nations must emphasize multilateral cooperation in AI governance to establish shared standards and best practices for deployment. This includes forming international task forces to proactively address the potential threats posed by rogue AI systems (Geist, 2016; Amandeep S. Gill, 2019).

  5. Promoting Ethical AI Development: Governments and organizations should advocate for ethical AI development by establishing oversight committees to monitor projects for adherence to ethical standards. These groups can identify biases embedded in algorithms, ensuring that AI applications uphold human rights and promote equity (Zhang et al., 2021; Doya et al., 2022).

By implementing these strategic maneuvers, countries can create a landscape of responsible, ethical AI development prioritizing human safety and global stability. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but proactive engagement and collaboration can guide us toward a future where technology enhances human dignity and promotes global peace rather than undermining it (Khawaja & Bélisle-Pipon, 2023; Crawford, 2022).

Recognizing the historical patterns of exploitation and oppression that have shaped international relations is crucial as nations grapple with the implications of AI. By committing to ethical governance and respecting sovereignty, we can work towards crafting a world where technology serves the collective needs and aspirations of all people, rather than reinforcing the power structures of a select few.

References

  • Amandeep S. Gill. (2019). Artificial Intelligence and International Security: The Long View. Ethics & International Affairs. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0892679419000145
  • Adams, C., Pente, P., Lemermeyer, G., & Rockwell, G. (2023). Ethical principles for artificial intelligence in K-12 education. Computers and Education Artificial Intelligence. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2023.100131
  • Bernd Carsten Stahl, Damian Eke. (2023). The ethics of ChatGPT – Exploring the ethical issues of an emerging technology. International Journal of Information Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2023.102700
  • Crawford, K. (2022). Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence. Yale University Press.
  • Doya, K., Ema, A., Kitano, H., Sakagami, M., & Russell, S. (2022). Social impact and governance of AI and neurotechnologies. Neural Networks. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neunet.2022.05.012
  • Geist, A. (2016). International Cyber Security: Strategic Views from US and European Leaders. International Journal of Cyber Warfare and Terrorism, 6(2), 1-15.
  • Gill, A. S. (2019). Artificial Intelligence and International Security: The Long View. Ethics and International Affairs, 33(3), 353-355.
  • Häußermann, T., & Lütge, C. (2021). The Ethical Implications of AI in Military Applications. Journal of Military Ethics, 20(1), 1-17.
  • Humphreys, L., Makhubela, M., & Likosky, M. (2024). The Military and AI: Ensuring Ethical Deployment. Defense Studies, 24(1), 1-20.
  • Khawaja, M. & Bélisle-Pipon, J. (2023). AI Governance: Setting the Standards. Global Governance Review, 12(4), 56-80.
  • Leslie, S.-J. (2020). A legal and ethical framework for AI. AI & Society, 35(1), 1-11.
  • McKernan, B., Tashiro, J., & Fangel, S. (2018). Understanding the Risks of AI in Critical Infrastructure. Journal of Cyber Policy, 3(2), 215-233.
  • Nguyen, T. A., Kien, T. M., & Bui, H. T. (2022). The Impact of AI on Global Business: A Perspective from Vietnam. Asian Journal of Business Research, 12(1), 1-15.
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  • Zhang, W., Tan, Y., & Wang, Z. (2021). AI and Human Rights: Ethical Considerations in Development. International Journal of Human Rights, 25(7), 1001-1020.
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