The Promises of Algorithmic Warfare – and Their World-Making Effects
Artificial intelligence and autonomous weapon systems are increasingly shaping the strategies
and tactics of warfare. It is not only current wars, such as those on Ukraine and in Gaza, that
contribute to the accelerated development and deployment of algorithmic technologies, but
also the promises associated with them: the promise of a technology that is much faster than
human agency, and the adversary; whose decision-making is unaffected by emotions, unlike
human agency; that is precise and efficient, but also ethical; that guarantees information
superiority, and is also accessible to control and legal regulation. Promises are powerful: they
shape our imaginations and expectations, and they encourage us to take action and realise our
visions. Promises have real-world effects.
The conference “The Promises of Algorithmic Warfare – and their World-Making Effects” critically examines the many promises of algorithmic warfare, their world-making, performative forces as well as their ambiguities, limits and discrepancies. The current discourse is pervaded by buzzwords such as ‘value-based technologies’, ‘human in the loop’ and ‘responsible AI’, which are indicative here: while
expressing the ethical demands on the part of the conventional arms industry and start-up
technicians, they also appear to echo the values enshrined in international humanitarian law as
well as the concerns of human and civil rights organisations and scientific expertise.
We invite submissions that explore the promises, practices, and effects of algorithmic warfare
from diverse analytical perspectives. We particularly welcome contributions from: STS, media
studies, affect and emotion theory, critical anthropology and postcolonial studies, discourse
analysis and literary studies as well as technological and legal perspectives.
We invite contributions enganging with the following themes and questions, among others:
- How do promises of algorithmic warfare circulate and gain traction across military,
political, and civilian spheres? - What realities do these promises create? How do they reshape military doctrine,
international law, and civilian life? - How are concepts like ‘meaningful human control’ negotiated in practice? What forms
of agency emerge in algorithmic warfare systems - How do algorithmic warfare promises operate differently across the Global North and
South? What colonial continuities and ruptures are evident? - What emotions, desires, and anxieties do algorithmic warfare promises generate? How
do they mobilize support or resistance? - How do legal frameworks attempt to govern algorithmic warfare? What gaps and
contradictions emerge as a result?
We also welcome analysis of specific conflicts, technologies, or policy debates that shed light
on the broader dynamics of algorithmic warfare.
Conference Language: English
Travel Costs: We will cover the cost for travel and accommodation for presenters according to the university’s regulations.
Submission Guidelines:
- Abstract: 300-400 words
- Bio: short biographical note (100-150 words)
- Deadline: October 15th 2025
- Format: submissions via email: algorithmic-warfare.wiso@uni-hamburg.de
- Submissions will be reviewed by the organizers of the University of Hamburg
Organizers:
Prof. Dr. Susanne Krasmann (susanne.krasmann@uni-hamburg.de)
Dr. Stephanie Schmidt (stephanie.schmidt@uni-hamburg.de)
Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences
Social Sciences, Sociology
Von-Melle-Park 5
20146 Hamburg