Operational Realities of Meaningful Human Control

Human-Machine Interaction in Publicly Documented Deployment Scenarios of Automated and Autonomous Weapon Systems

PD Dr. Christoph Ernst | Bonn, Media Studies / Media History

The aim of this work package is to analyze the realities of interaction with AI-supported weapon systems as documented in media-based sources and formats. Particular attention is paid to the tension between idealized sociotechnical imaginaries on the one hand and operational practice on the other.

The study examines interfaces, operational images, and human-machine interactions in order to further develop the normative-analytical conceptualization of AI-based warfare. By investigating publicly documented deployment scenarios, the project seeks to provide a deeper understanding of how notions of Meaningful Human Control are enacted, challenged, or transformed in real-world military operations involving automated and autonomous weapon systems.