Student Blog Series: Call for submissions
The reports of increased use of AI in current conflict and the recent public dispute involving Anthropic and the Pentagon has brought increased attention to the critical role of the private sector in the development and deployment of military AI technologies. Building on this heightened public interest, this RBD Student Blog Series seeks to shift the analytical lens beyond States to include non-State actors, particularly technology companies, and to foster a more nuanced, interdisciplinary understanding of their responsibilities in ensuring the responsible use of AI in armed conflict.
The Responsible by Design (RBD) Student Ambassador Programme invites tertiary students from a range of disciplines—including law, social sciences, computer science, engineering, ethics, and philosophy—to contribute blog posts exploring the theme:
“Decentering the State: The Role of Private Actors in Military AI”
We welcome submissions across a broad spectrum of topics, including (but not limited to):
The interaction between international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and business practices in the development of AI
The responsibilities of private actors in designing and deploying specific AI systems
The legal, ethical, and operational values that military AI technologies should be designed to uphold
How private sector incentives are reshaping State military objectives and the conduct of hostilities
The implications of shifting economic and political power from States to major technology companies
The role of private actors in the emerging AI arms race
Balancing regulatory requirements with the pace of technological innovation
The impact of open-source AI in lowering barriers to entry for non-State actors in armed conflict
Submissions should be between 1,500–2,000 words and sent via email by 3 May 2026, accompanied by a short bio (maximum 300 words), institutional affiliation, and a headshot.
Please note that submissions will be subject to editorial selection. Accepted contributions will be published as part of a symposium series in June 2026.
