
Algorithms of War
The Human Cost of AI in Conflict
Luke Moffett(Author)
Bristol University Press
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 17. November 2026
Book
Hardback
224 pages
978-1-5292-5193-7 (ISBN)
Description
Shows the human impact of war through the voices of the victims themselves
AI and algorithms now drive modern warfare, shaping surveillance and targeting. While promising precision, these systems often mask significant, hidden civilian harm. Algorithms of War moves past the binary debate of prohibition versus promotion, focusing instead on preserving humanity through better design and governance.
Drawing on testimony from conflicts around the world like Ukraine and Gaza, the book reveals how algorithmic logic can create dangerous distance between decision-makers and victims. Ultimately, it argues that humanity and a people-centred approach is essential to ensure accountability, strengthen civilian protection and legitimacy of military operations as AI continues to reshape the battlefield.
AI and algorithms now drive modern warfare, shaping surveillance and targeting. While promising precision, these systems often mask significant, hidden civilian harm. Algorithms of War moves past the binary debate of prohibition versus promotion, focusing instead on preserving humanity through better design and governance.
Drawing on testimony from conflicts around the world like Ukraine and Gaza, the book reveals how algorithmic logic can create dangerous distance between decision-makers and victims. Ultimately, it argues that humanity and a people-centred approach is essential to ensure accountability, strengthen civilian protection and legitimacy of military operations as AI continues to reshape the battlefield.
Reviews / Votes
"A timely and deeply human account of algorithmic warfare, exposing hidden civilian harm and centring humanity in debates on AI in conflict." Jessica Dorsey, Utrecht University School of Law "A clearsighted and much needed account of how AI is reshaping conflict that rightly puts law, judgment and the human consequences of algorithms centre stage in the debate. Read it." Paddy Walker PhD, J. Leon GroupMore details
Edition
First Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Bristol
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
4 s/w Abbildungen
4 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-5292-5193-7 (9781529251937)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Luke Moffett is Professor of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law at the School of Law, Queen's University, Belfast. He conducted research in over a dozen countries from Colombia, Uganda, Iraq to Nepal, interviewing hundreds of individuals on how best to deal with the consequences of armed conflict. He works alongside victims, governments and armed groups on the role of reparations in addressing past violations, and the place of law in restraining war and securing victims' rights. He regularly contributes to podcasts, blogs and major news outlets on law in war and the impact on civilians.
Content
Introduction
1. Decoding the Machine: Understanding Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
2. Regulating War and Ensuring Humanity
3. The Rise of Drones, Algorithms and Autonomy in War
4. Piercing the Fog of War: Algorithms, Data and Datafication
5. Artificial Intelligence Warfare in Decision-Making and Targeting
6. Regulating Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems
7. The 'Triple Black Box': Artificial Intelligence Accountability, Responsibility and Transparency
8. Future Compliance or Catastrophe? The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Algorithms in War
1. Decoding the Machine: Understanding Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
2. Regulating War and Ensuring Humanity
3. The Rise of Drones, Algorithms and Autonomy in War
4. Piercing the Fog of War: Algorithms, Data and Datafication
5. Artificial Intelligence Warfare in Decision-Making and Targeting
6. Regulating Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems
7. The 'Triple Black Box': Artificial Intelligence Accountability, Responsibility and Transparency
8. Future Compliance or Catastrophe? The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Algorithms in War