Briefly discuss a challenge for preemptive ban of Autonomous Weapons Systems ?

One challenge for preemptive ban of Autonomous Weapons Systems is the difficulty in defining and categorizing what constitutes an autonomous weapon. There is currently no universally agreed upon definition of autonomous weapons, making it challenging to create a clear and enforceable ban. Additionally, the rapid advancement of technology means that new types of autonomous weapons are constantly being developed, further complicating efforts to preemptively ban them. This lack of consensus and clarity on what constitutes an autonomous weapon makes it difficult to effectively regulate and control their use.

Challenge of Defining and Identifying Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS):

Defining and identifying AWS poses a significant challenge for preemptive bans. There is no universally accepted definition of AWS, and different concepts of autonomy exist. This ambiguity makes it difficult to determine which weapons or systems should be included under a ban. For instance, weapons with limited autonomous capabilities might not fall under a strict definition of AWS, potentially leading to gaps in control and accountability. Conversely, a broad definition could inadvertently prohibit development of potentially beneficial autonomous systems, such as those used for humanitarian assistance or defense against threats.