Academic

Decentring the governance of AI in the military: a focus on the postcolonial subject

Abstract The governance of emerging technologies with increased autonomy in the military has become a topical issue in recent years, especially considering the rapid advances in artificial intelligence and related innovations in computer science. Despite this hype, the postcolonial subject’s position has been seen as secondary, often associated with victimhood or obscurity. By shifting the narrative to highlight the postcolonial subject’s agency—not only in providing real-world examples of artificial intelligence use in the military but also in knowledge creation and shaping the discourse on governance within the international, this paper contributes to an area of research that is often overlooked. The paper unpacks the norm-making efforts of postcolonial subjects regarding emerging military technologies. In doing this, the paper aims to advance postcolonial theory by showing how the dynamics of governing emerging military technologies intertwine with postcolonial sub

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Ishmael Bhila · · 1 min read · 2 views

Abstract The governance of emerging technologies with increased autonomy in the military has become a topical issue in recent years, especially considering the rapid advances in artificial intelligence and related innovations in computer science. Despite this hype, the postcolonial subject’s position has been seen as secondary, often associated with victimhood or obscurity. By shifting the narrative to highlight the postcolonial subject’s agency—not only in providing real-world examples of artificial intelligence use in the military but also in knowledge creation and shaping the discourse on governance within the international, this paper contributes to an area of research that is often overlooked. The paper unpacks the norm-making efforts of postcolonial subjects regarding emerging military technologies. In doing this, the paper aims to advance postcolonial theory by showing how the dynamics of governing emerging military technologies intertwine with postcolonial subjectivity and to broaden the academic discussion on the governance of emerging military technologies and algorithmic violence, which has so far been dominated by Western or universalistic discourse.

Executive Summary

This article explores the governance of AI in the military, focusing on the agency of postcolonial subjects in shaping the discourse on governance. It highlights the need to decentre the dominant Western narrative and instead, emphasize the role of postcolonial subjects in knowledge creation and norm-making efforts. The paper aims to advance postcolonial theory and broaden the academic discussion on the governance of emerging military technologies, algorithmic violence, and their intersection with postcolonial subjectivity.

Key Points

  • ▸ The article highlights the importance of postcolonial subjects' agency in governance of AI in the military
  • ▸ It critiques the dominant Western discourse on governance of emerging military technologies
  • ▸ The paper aims to advance postcolonial theory and broaden the academic discussion on the topic

Merits

Nuanced Analysis

The article provides a nuanced analysis of the intersection of postcolonial subjectivity and governance of emerging military technologies, offering a fresh perspective on the topic.

Demerits

Limited Scope

The article's focus on postcolonial subjects may limit its applicability to other contexts, and its critique of Western discourse may be perceived as overly broad or simplistic.

Expert Commentary

This article offers a timely and thought-provoking analysis of the governance of AI in the military, highlighting the need to decentre dominant Western narratives and prioritize the agency of postcolonial subjects. The paper's focus on postcolonial theory and its intersection with emerging military technologies provides a unique perspective on the topic, and its findings have significant implications for the development of more inclusive and equitable governance frameworks. However, the article's limited scope and potential overemphasis on critique may limit its impact, and further research is needed to fully explore the complexities of this issue.

Recommendations

  • ✓ Further research is needed to explore the complexities of postcolonial subjectivity and its intersection with governance of emerging military technologies
  • ✓ Policymakers and practitioners should prioritize the development of more inclusive and equitable governance frameworks for AI in the military, taking into account the perspectives and experiences of postcolonial subjects.

Sources

Original: CrossRef

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