STOCKHOLM INTERNATIONAL
PEACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
The independent resource on global security

Addressing the Risks that Civilian AI Poses to International Peace and Security: The Role of Responsible Innovation

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For years, the discussion around artificial intelligence (AI) and international peace and security has centred almost exclusively on military applications, such as autonomous weapons systems. However, advances in civilian AI could also undermine international peace and security in many ways. This report explores the risks that advances in AI in the civilian domain could present to international peace and security, and how such risks can be addressed through responsible innovation.

The report builds on desk research and insights gathered from a series of activities that the authors organized between 2022 and 2025 as part of a joint initiative by SIPRI and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs on promoting responsible innovation in AI for international peace and security, which was funded by a decision of the Council of the European Union (Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2269 of 18 November 2022). 

Table of contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Mapping the risks that civilian AI poses to international peace and security
  3. Responsible innovation practice in the AI community
  4. How states and international organizations can support responsible innovation for international peace and security
  5. Key findings
  6. Recommendations

ABOUT THE AUTHOR(S)/EDITORS

Vincent Boulanin
Dr Vincent Boulanin is Director of the Governance of Artificial Intelligence Programme at SIPRI.
Jules Palayer
Jules Palayer is a Researcher in the SIPRI Governance of Artificial Intelligence Programme.
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Charles Ovink is a Political Affairs Officer at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs.