Law360 explores the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on international law, highlighting the legal challenges and regulatory gaps that arise as AI technologies become increasingly integrated into global governance, warfare, trade, and human rights. As AI continues to reshape international relations, it is also posing complex legal questions that require careful consideration by governments, legal professionals, and international organizations.

One of the key areas where AI is impacting international law is in the context of warfare and autonomous weapons systems. AI-driven autonomous weapons, including drones and other military technologies, raise significant questions about compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL). The article discusses how international legal frameworks, such as the Geneva Conventions, are struggling to keep pace with the rapid development of AI technologies. There are concerns about accountability, particularly when autonomous systems make life-or-death decisions without human intervention. The article calls for clearer legal frameworks to govern the use of AI in warfare, ensuring compliance with IHL and protecting civilian populations.

Another significant area of concern is the use of AI in global governance and decision-making. AI is increasingly being used by international organizations to analyze data, predict trends, and make decisions in areas such as climate change, health, and economic development. However, this raises questions about transparency, accountability, and fairness. The article emphasizes the need for international legal standards that ensure AI-driven decisions are transparent and that there is human oversight to prevent bias or misuse of AI in global governance.

The article also examines the intersection of AI and human rights law. As AI systems are used to monitor populations, track movements, and even predict behavior, there are growing concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the potential for human rights abuses. The article highlights the need for international legal protections to safeguard individuals from AI-driven surveillance, particularly in authoritarian regimes where AI technologies could be used to suppress dissent and violate fundamental rights.

In addition, the article addresses the challenges of regulating AI in international trade. AI technologies are being used to optimize supply chains, automate trade processes, and even negotiate trade agreements. However, the rapid adoption of AI in trade raises legal questions about intellectual property rights, data privacy, and the potential for economic inequality. The article calls for global regulatory frameworks that ensure AI is used in ways that promote fair competition and protect the rights of all participants in international trade.