Rapid technological progress raises new challenges for international security. In many cases, research with legitimate civilian applications can also be used for military purposes or misused for malicious purposes. In biology in particular, there is also a risk of unintended consequences, such as the emergence of new pandemics. Political control of dual-use goods and responsibility within research are therefore particularly important. These topics are the focus of the CNTR Monitor's first issue.
Artificial intelligence can be used, for example, to process large amounts of information in combat, automate decisions and thus accelerate warfare. This makes human control increasingly difficult – which not only raises ethical concerns, but also makes an assessment under international law more difficult.
AI can also be used in biology to predict sequences or even automate entire experiments. In the wrong hands, it could become a tool for creating new biological threats.
However, the publication focuses not only on the risks but also on the opportunities presented by new technologies: For example, new diagnostic procedures are presented to identify genetically modified pathogens and their originators. This makes it easier to detect bioterrorist activities and bring those responsible to justice.
The first issue of the CNTR Monitor is entitled “Perspectives on Dual Use”. From artificial intelligence and semiconductors, drones and additive manufacturing to the unintended consequences of biological and medical research, but also new opportunities for arms control – the relevant actors and the political and legal frameworks are just as diverse as the objects and technologies. The CNTR Monitor 2024 sheds light on various dual-use issues, highlights possibilities for political control and assesses the opportunities and risks of selected new technologies.
The CNTR Monitor is an open access publication and is available both in English and in German.