Mahmoud Javadi, a researcher at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), a partner institution of the REMIT research consortium, has authored a commentary on strategies for future-proofing AI arms control.
In his analysis, Javadi argues that to effectively future-proof AI arms control, the transatlantic community—particularly Europeans—must leverage the synergy between the two main initiatives currently available: (1) the Global Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) and (2) the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.
However, Javadi contends that these efforts may be futile if Europe does not take more decisive diplomatic and strategic actions to ensure that the next U.S. administration remains engaged in AI arms control initiatives.
He suggests that Europe could help engage the incoming U.S. administration by supporting American export controls on critical technologies to nations of concern. “The new Dutch government is well-positioned to lead both bilateral and multilateral efforts through the upcoming EU institutional cycle (2024-2029) to align European policies with American export control regimes for critical technologies,” Javadi argues.
Mahmoud Javadi maintains: “The policy recommendation formulated in the piece does not necessarily guarantee the future-proofing or Trump-proofing of military AI governance. However, it remains a viable, and potentially the only, option for Europeans in the short run to ensure the longevity of both REAIM and the Political Declaration while utilizing their complementarity.”
The commentary was originally published in Atlantisch Perspectief (Atlantic Perspective), a magazine of the Atlantische Commissie (Netherlands Atlantic Association). Established in 1952, the Netherlands Atlantic Association serves as a forum for public debate on transatlantic security issues, providing information and promoting research on topics such as the relationship between Europe and the United States, developments in NATO, and European security issues. The Association is based in The Hague.
Full citation
Javadi, M., (2024), “Future-proofing AI arms control”, Atlantisch Perspectief,
https://www.atlcom.nl/artikel-atlantisch-perspectief/future-proofing-ai-arms-control/