Agency official: drones, autonomous weapons and AI-amplified disinformation are reshaping conflict

An agency official highlighted specific technological drivers changing the character of conflict, saying, "Drones, lethal autonomous weapons, disinformation amplified by artificial intelligence, the very nature of conflict is changing fast." The remark framed technology and information operations as central challenges that peacekeepers and policy-makers must address in planning and mandates.

The official linked technological change to operational risk, noting that these tools can increase threats to civilians and to peacekeepers themselves and that mandates and training must adapt. The speech suggested technological threats are part of the rationale for a broader review of peace operations but did not propose specific technical safeguards or regulatory steps in this address.