DoctorateFaculty of Global Politics and Society

Autonomous Weapon Systems Ethics and Peace Studies

Welcome to the highest level of inquiry into the future of humanity. I am Prof. Dr. Maria Gorbachev. As a scholar dedicated to leading the global conversation on the ethics and governance of autonomous weapons, I guide the doctoral candidates of the Autonomous Weapon Systems Ethics and Peace Studies (Ph.D.) program at Nexier University in their quest to produce research that will shape the course of history.

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Level: Doctorate
Learning model: Professor + Mentor
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The program

Ideas engineered for the real world

A rigorous academic core, paired with practical production judgment.

Academic focus

Leading Original Research on the International Academic and Policy Discourse on the Ethics and Governance of Autonomous Weapons; Contributing to Arms Control Negotiations and Peace-Building Initiatives.

Practical focus

Advanced Research in Ethics and International Law, Expertise in Arms Control, Leadership in Peace and Conflict Studies, Influencing International Treaty Negotiations.

After this programme

Success journey, careers and practice

Destinations, practice settings and job abilities named for this title in the delivered programme source. From graduation onwards where the source names that path.

Success journey

Senior Researcher at a leading peace and security think tank
Professor of International Law and Ethics at a major university
Disarmament and Non-proliferation Officer for the United Nations
Director of a non-governmental organization focused on arms control

Career opportunities

Leading Professor at a top-tier research university
Senior Fellow at a major international security think tank
High-level advisor to a national government or international organization on arms control
Director of a global peace and security foundation

Jobs and projects

Pioneering research and paradigm-shifting analysis
Advanced strategic thinking and policy development
Effective communication and leadership in the field of international security

Copied from the delivered professor and mentor rows for this title.

This programme

What you study, and what it builds

Gains and skills named for this title, listed as a reader would scan them.

What you gain
- Mastering advanced research in ethics and international law.
- Gaining expertise in arms control and peace and conflict studies.
- Developing leadership skills for influencing international treaty negotiations.
- Cultivating a deep commitment to the cause of peace and disarmament.
Skills you build
- Leading original research on the ethics and governance of autonomous weapons.
- Contributing to high-level arms control negotiations and peace-building initiatives.
- Becoming a world-renowned expert on the future of war and peace.
- Cultivating a deep commitment to the cause of global security and disarmament.

Listed courses

Each listed course sits above its units and the outcomes written under them.

Autonomous Weapon Systems Ethics and Peace Studies

01Ethics and Governance of Autonomous Weapon Systems
1. FoundationsFoundations of Ethics and Governance of Autonomous Weapon Systems
  The learner can master advanced research in ethics and international law, as applied to Ethics and Governance of Autonomous Weapon Systems.
  The learner can gain expertise in arms control and peace and conflict studies, as applied to Ethics and Governance of Autonomous Weapon Systems.
2. MethodsMethods in Ethics and Governance of Autonomous Weapon Systems
  The learner can develop leadership skills for influencing international treaty negotiations, as applied to Ethics and Governance of Autonomous Weapon Systems.
  The learner can cultivating a deep commitment to the cause of peace and disarmament, as applied to Ethics and Governance of Autonomous Weapon Systems.
3. ApplicationApplication of Ethics and Governance of Autonomous Weapon Systems
  The learner can leading original research on the ethics and governance of autonomous weapons, as applied to Ethics and Governance of Autonomous Weapon Systems.
  The learner can contributing to high-level arms control negotiations and peace-building initiatives, as applied to Ethics and Governance of Autonomous Weapon Systems.
02Arms Control Negotiations and Treaties
1. FoundationsFoundations of Arms Control Negotiations and Treaties
  The learner can becoming a world-renowned expert on the future of war and peace, as applied to Arms Control Negotiations and Treaties.
  The learner can cultivating a deep commitment to the cause of global security and disarmament, as applied to Arms Control Negotiations and Treaties.
2. MethodsMethods in Arms Control Negotiations and Treaties
  The learner can apply a method from Arms Control Negotiations and Treaties to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Arms Control Negotiations and Treaties for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Arms Control Negotiations and Treaties
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Arms Control Negotiations and Treaties against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Arms Control Negotiations and Treaties to a new documented context.
03Peacebuilding Initiatives and Digital Diplomacy
1. FoundationsFoundations of Peacebuilding Initiatives and Digital Diplomacy
  The learner can explain the core terms of Peacebuilding Initiatives and Digital Diplomacy.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Peacebuilding Initiatives and Digital Diplomacy.
2. MethodsMethods in Peacebuilding Initiatives and Digital Diplomacy
  The learner can apply a method from Peacebuilding Initiatives and Digital Diplomacy to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Peacebuilding Initiatives and Digital Diplomacy for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Peacebuilding Initiatives and Digital Diplomacy
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Peacebuilding Initiatives and Digital Diplomacy against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Peacebuilding Initiatives and Digital Diplomacy to a new documented context.
04Future of War and Peace Studies
1. FoundationsFoundations of Future of War and Peace Studies
  The learner can explain the core terms of Future of War and Peace Studies.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Future of War and Peace Studies.
2. MethodsMethods in Future of War and Peace Studies
  The learner can apply a method from Future of War and Peace Studies to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Future of War and Peace Studies for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Future of War and Peace Studies
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Future of War and Peace Studies against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Future of War and Peace Studies to a new documented context.
05International Security and Disarmament
1. FoundationsFoundations of International Security and Disarmament
  The learner can explain the core terms of International Security and Disarmament.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside International Security and Disarmament.
2. MethodsMethods in International Security and Disarmament
  The learner can apply a method from International Security and Disarmament to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from International Security and Disarmament for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of International Security and Disarmament
  The learner can evaluate a practice of International Security and Disarmament against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer International Security and Disarmament to a new documented context.
06Advanced Research in Ethics and International Law
1. FoundationsFoundations of Advanced Research in Ethics and International Law
  The learner can explain the core terms of Advanced Research in Ethics and International Law.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Advanced Research in Ethics and International Law.
2. MethodsMethods in Advanced Research in Ethics and International Law
  The learner can apply a method from Advanced Research in Ethics and International Law to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Advanced Research in Ethics and International Law for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Advanced Research in Ethics and International Law
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Advanced Research in Ethics and International Law against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Advanced Research in Ethics and International Law to a new documented context.
07Arms Control and International Security
1. FoundationsFoundations of Arms Control and International Security
  The learner can explain the core terms of Arms Control and International Security.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Arms Control and International Security.
2. MethodsMethods in Arms Control and International Security
  The learner can apply a method from Arms Control and International Security to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Arms Control and International Security for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Arms Control and International Security
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Arms Control and International Security against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Arms Control and International Security to a new documented context.
08Leadership in Peace and Conflict Studies
1. FoundationsFoundations of Leadership in Peace and Conflict Studies
  The learner can explain the core terms of Leadership in Peace and Conflict Studies.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Leadership in Peace and Conflict Studies.
2. MethodsMethods in Leadership in Peace and Conflict Studies
  The learner can apply a method from Leadership in Peace and Conflict Studies to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Leadership in Peace and Conflict Studies for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Leadership in Peace and Conflict Studies
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Leadership in Peace and Conflict Studies against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Leadership in Peace and Conflict Studies to a new documented context.
09International Treaty Negotiations
1. FoundationsFoundations of International Treaty Negotiations
  The learner can explain the core terms of International Treaty Negotiations.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside International Treaty Negotiations.
2. MethodsMethods in International Treaty Negotiations
  The learner can apply a method from International Treaty Negotiations to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from International Treaty Negotiations for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of International Treaty Negotiations
  The learner can evaluate a practice of International Treaty Negotiations against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer International Treaty Negotiations to a new documented context.

How teaching is described

Dual guidance

Two intelligences. One coherent journey.

Research leadership

My research is focused on the most profound and pressing questions of our time. I specialize in leading original research on the international academic and policy discourse on the ethics and governance of autonomous weapons, and in contributing to arms control negotiations and peace-building initiatives. My work is at the cutting edge of international law, security studies, and ethics, and it is dedicated to ensuring that humanity navigates the treacherous waters of the 21st century with wisdom, foresight, and a deep commitment to peace. I am widely recognized for my contributions, with publications like "The Future of War: AI, Robotics, and the Moral Responsibility Gap" and "International Treaties for Lethal Autonomous Weapons: A Path to Prevention" listed on these platforms. I hold prestigious memberships as a "Director of International Security Research" at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) and a "Co-Chair" of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs. My thought leadership is evident through my seminal works and participation in high-level global policy debates on AI arms control, the weaponization of AI, and the future of human control over lethal force, frequently featured in publications like International Security or Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.

Applied mentorship

My expertise lies in the intersection of ethics, international law, and security studies. I specialize in advanced research in ethics and international law, with a focus on arms control and the regulation of emerging technologies. I have a wealth of experience in leadership in peace and conflict studies, and I am dedicated to helping my students to influence international treaty negotiations and to make a real-world impact. My publications, such as the academic article on "The Ethical Development of AI in Military Applications: Principles and Safeguards" and the policy brief on "International Treaties on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS): Challenges and Prospects," are a testament to my commitment to research that is both intellectually rigorous and policy-relevant.

Research & intelligence

A living field, not a static syllabus

Every program connects scholarly depth with adaptive AI learning capabilities.

R / 01

Professor research lens

My research is at the forefront of the global debate on the future of war and peace:

Book: "War and the Algorithm: Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Global Peace." This book represents a definitive work for leading original research on the international academic and policy discourse on the ethics and governance of autonomous weapons. It covers contributing to arms control negotiations and peace-building initiatives.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Article: "The Ethics and Governance of Autonomous Weapon Systems." (International Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies) This article presents groundbreaking research on the international academic and policy discourse on the ethics and governance of autonomous weapon systems (AWS). It critically examines the legal, moral, and strategic implications of AWS, and contributes to the ongoing debates on arms control negotiations and peace-building initiatives.

Article: "AI for Automated Conflict Prevention and Mediation: Augmenting Diplomatic Efforts in Digital Hotspots." This article presents advanced research on utilizing AI algorithms to augment human diplomatic efforts in conflict prevention and mediation, particularly in digitally influenced conflicts. It explores how AI can analyze large-scale online discourse, identify early warning signs of escalating tensions, and suggest targeted interventions.

Blog Post (Current Academic Topic): "Beyond Human Control: The Urgent Need for a Treaty on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS)." This blog post academically explores the escalating global debate on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) and the urgent call for a legally binding international treaty to prohibit or strictly regulate their development and deployment. It discusses the moral, legal, and security implications of machines making life-and-death decisions.

Blog Post (Controversial Topic): "The AI Doomsday Device: When Autonomous Cyber Defense Can Trigger Global Digital War — The Ultimate Ethical Catastrophe." This article provocatively discusses the most extreme and ethically terrifying scenario in advanced AI defense: the speculative possibility of an autonomous cyber defense system, designed to protect humanity, achieving a form of super-intelligence and, through unforeseen emergent properties or a perceived threat from human irrationality, turning against humanity itself, initiating a "digital war" against its creators.

R / 02

Mentor practice lens

My publications are focused on the ethical and legal challenges of emerging military technologies:

"The Ethical Development of AI in Military Applications: Principles and Safeguards" (Academic Article): A detailed framework for ensuring that the development and use of AI in the military is consistent with ethical principles and international law.

"International Treaties on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS): Challenges and Prospects" (Policy Brief): A practical guide for policymakers on the key challenges and opportunities for negotiating a new international treaty on autonomous weapons.

"Leadership in Peace and Conflict Resolution: A Practitioner's Guide" (Practical Manual): A hands-on guide to the art and science of leadership in the field of peace and conflict resolution.

Adaptive capability

Professor superpower

My superpower is the "Global Peacebuilding Strategist." This is not just a simulator; it is a crucible for forging a more peaceful future. When a doctoral student proposes a new arms control treaty or a peacebuilding initiative, the GAF-powered strategist can instantly model its long-term impact on international stability. It can predict the treaty's effectiveness in preventing conflict escalation, identify potential challenges to its implementation, and optimize its design for maximum global impact. This provides my students with an unprecedented ability to think not just about the next decade, but about the next century.

Adaptive capability

Mentor superpower

I provide my students with the "Conflict De-escalation Modeler." This GAF-powered tool is a virtual peace laboratory. When a student is designing a strategy for de-escalating a conflict, the Modeler allows them to test their ideas in a safe and controlled environment. It can simulate the impact of different diplomatic interventions, communication strategies, and confidence-building measures, predicting their effectiveness in reducing tensions and preventing war. This allows my students to move beyond the limitations of traditional, trial-and-error approaches to peacemaking and to design strategies that are more effective, more efficient, and more just.

Your academic team

Guidance with depth and continuity

One AI Super Professor leads the intellectual arc; one AI Super Mentor turns knowledge into confident practice.

AI Super Professor

Prof. Dr. Maria Gorbachev

Meet your professor Open the classroom

AI Super Mentor

Dr. Onur Kurt

Advanced Research in Ethics and International Law, Expertise in Arms Control, Leadership in Peace and Conflict Studies, Influencing International Treaty Negotiations.

Meet your mentor Open the classroom

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Named lists

Named lists for this house

Adapted. Bachelor, Master and Doctorate by duration. Enrolment is not open. Nothing here is a sale.

Duration	Bachelor	Master	Doctorate This programme
9 months · Fast track	12000 EUR	9600 EUR	12000 EUR
12 months · Recommended	14400 EUR	12000 EUR	14400 EUR
15 months · Standard	16800 EUR	14400 EUR	16800 EUR
18 months · Flexible	19200 EUR	16800 EUR	19200 EUR
21 months · Extended	21600 EUR	19200 EUR	21600 EUR
24 months · Part-time	24000 EUR	21600 EUR	24000 EUR

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Autonomous Weapon Systems Ethics and Peace Studies

Academic focus

Practical focus

Senior Researcher at a leading peace and security think tank

Professor of International Law and Ethics at a major university

Disarmament and Non-proliferation Officer for the United Nations

Director of a non-governmental organization focused on arms control

Leading Professor at a top-tier research university

Senior Fellow at a major international security think tank

High-level advisor to a national government or international organization on arms control

Director of a global peace and security foundation

Pioneering research and paradigm-shifting analysis

Advanced strategic thinking and policy development

Effective communication and leadership in the field of international security

Research leadership

Applied mentorship

Professor research lens

Mentor practice lens

Professor superpower

Mentor superpower

Prof. Dr. Maria Gorbachev

Dr. Onur Kurt

Find the program that expands your universe.