Elizabeth Minor

Code and Conflict: Chances for Autonomous Weapons Regulation

In this new analysis, Elizabeth Minor explores the next steps toward regulating autonomous weapons systems.

Since UN member states began discussing autonomous weapons systems in 2013, the context for regulation has shifted dramatically - with new challenges and new opportunities emerging. A new analysis from FES New York, Code and Conflict: Next Steps Towards Regulating Autonomous Weapon Systems by Elisabeth Minor, argues that negotiating a legally binding instrument is now both more possible and more urgent. While policy discussions are advancing, the use of force by systems that erode meaningful human control is already causing harm.

To introduce this timely publication, FES New York hosted a launch event on May 13, held alongside the UN General Assembly’s informal consultations on lethal autonomous weapons systems. During this roundtable discussion, an expert panel reflected on the current global context, recent progress, and the path forward for effective international regulation. The event took place under the Chatham House Rule, with participants including representatives from UN missions, UN officials, and selected think tank experts.

Moderator:
Volker Lehmann, FES New York

Speakers:
Elisabeth Minor, Advisor, Article 36
Vivica Münkner, Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN

Author: Elizabeth Minor

Elizabeth Minor is an Advisor at Article 36, a UK-based specialist non-profit organisation focused on reducing harm from weapons. Her work currently focuses on autonomous weapons, and she sits on the international steering group of the Stop Killer Robots campaign for Article 36, as well as the steering group of the UK campaign to Stop Killer Robots. At Article 36 she has also worked on the issues of nuclear weapons, the protection of civilians, and (under)representation at disarmament meetings, among other issues.

Code and conflict

Minor, Elizabeth

Code and conflict

Next steps towards regulating autonomous weapons systems
Bonn, 2025

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