- Tryckt, e-böcker, e-tidskrifter, databaser samt arkivmaterial
- Academillbiblioteket
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Tryckt, e-böcker, e-tidskrifter, databaser samt arkivmaterial
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Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS) are one of the emerging technologies within warfare, seen to pose challenges in complying with international humanitarian law (IHL), and human rights law. Others see the development of AWS in warfare as a means of saving civilians and making conflict more comprehending to the means and methods of warfare, as the use of AWS cuts off the human element of emotions, such as stress and panic, which can in turn increase the number of casualties during armed conflict. Considering these strong arguments on both sides, examining the legality within international law through an in-depth analysis is therefore necessary. This thesis will examine the legality of AWS within international law, especially within IHL and human rights law, how the use affects the right to dignity and whether this can be considered a strong enough normative right for establishing a regulation on the use of AWS, based on the argument. This thesis first examines the AWS use in light of the IHL framework and the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions of attack. In addition, the Article 36 of Additional Protocol I, obligating legal reviews on new weapons, and the Martens Clause’s relevance in the AWS debate is examined. After establishing an understanding of AWS compliance to IHL, the use of AWS in light of human rights law is scrutinized. Then the thesis turns to discussing dignity, both in its social and legal perspectives. Dignity is a much debated concept, which on one hand is seen to be the core of all human rights, and a vacuous concept, lacking content in the legal context on the other. To reach a profound understanding of the normative character of dignity, the history of shaping the concept is first scrutinized. Then, its role is examined within treaty law and state practice, after which the concept is applied to the debate of the legality of AWS. Through the above-described examination, this thesis concludes that AWS use is in its current state not likely capable of respecting the international law framework when it comes to the IHL principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions of attack, that govern the feasible means and methods of warfare. Human rights law poses even stricter requirements on the use of force during armed conflict, and the use of AWS is thus likely to pose violations on human rights law, as the rule of the use of force only being practiced by a human would require human involvement in the process. Considering dignity in its normative concept, the use of AWS is additionally likely to violate the right to dignity. What is desired from negotiations when drafting regulation is to include the element of meaningful human control in the decision-making loop, when the use of AWS is concerning lethal decisions. This thesis concludes that the use of AWS without the element of meaningful human control is resulting in violating the dignity of those targeted. This demonstrates the urgent need of regulation for the use of AWS, where dignity could play a distinct role in illustrating the core issue with leaving the human outside of lethal decisions. This thesis suggests that a crosscutting framework, including both IHL and human rights law, could be the most powerful tool in order to showcase the potential power that dignity could have when regulating a complex system of method of warfare.
This thesis examines the strategic responses of two major military companies, Patria and SAAB, to the significant changes in the defense environment caused by the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. The study aims to understand how these established companies adapted their strategies in response to this specific event, using information gathered from publicly available sources such as annual reports and company statements. The findings reveal that SAAB and Patria implemented distinct strategic adjustments considering the conflict. SAAB focused on advancing its technology, while Patria emphasized enhancing its supply chain and collaborative efforts. This study demonstrates the importance for defense companies to swiftly adapt to significant changes in their operating environment, balancing internal strengths with external partnerships. While the study uses mainly Strategic Adaptation/Management and the Resource-Based View (RBV) frameworks to shed light on these strategic shifts, the emphasis remains on the practical, real-world changes made by the companies. A brief PESTEL analysis is included to provide context for these strategies within the broader defense sector however, only a part of PESTEL itself will be used. The study's reliance on secondary, publicly available data means that some deeper insights into the companies' internal strategies might be limited. Despite this, the study offers valuable perspectives on the adaptive strategies of defense companies in response to critical external events. In summary, this thesis provides an insight into how major defense companies like Patria and SAAB respond to immediate and significant external challenges, highlighting the need for quick adaptation and innovation in the defense industry. It also points to areas for further research, suggesting a more comprehensive examination of strategic responses across the defense sector, potentially incorporating a wider range of data sources. This thesis presents a clear, focused exploration of the strategic changes within the defense industry in response to a major external event, reflecting the industry's capacity for resilience and adaptability.