Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are becoming a key factor in modern warfare, as seen in Ukraine. The third chapter of the recently published Peace Report, an annual publication by the four German peace and conflict research institutes PRIF, bicc, INEF, and IFSH, addresses this topic. To discuss it further, PRIF, the Frankfurter Rundschau, and the Catholic Academy Rabanus Maurus hosted a panel discussion on June 11 at Haus am Dom in Frankfurt. The panel featured Özlem Alev Demirel (MEP, Die Linke), Helene Pleil (Senior Policy Researcher on Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats at interface), and Niklas Schörnig, with Andreas Schwarzkopf (Head of Opinion, Frankfurter Rundschau) moderating.

The discussion began with an overview of AI’s role in military and warfare, from optimizing Bundeswehr training to supporting espionage, disinformation, and even combat operations like target selection and decision-making. Pleil highlighted the dual nature of AI: while it can enhance security by identifying vulnerabilities, it also introduces new uncertainties and risks for civilians, as adversaries also deploy AI. Conflicts like the war in Ukraine have already seen high civilian casualties linked to these technologies.

The panel agreed on the dangers of AI-driven acceleration in conflict. Schörnig emphasized the need for deliberation in decision-making, as AI’s speed leaves less room for diplomacy. Pleil and Demirel also pointed to global asymmetries in AI access, where economically strong states benefit from new technologies while poorer nations fall behind.

The final topic addressed how to mitigate risks from emerging technologies. The panelists agreed that voluntary commitments to responsible AI use might be more effective than global regulation. However, they stressed that arms control and disarmament treaties—based on mutual trust and dialogue—remain essential for a more peaceful coexistence. These themes were also explored in the CNTR Monitor 2025.