BachelorFaculty of Global Politics and Society

Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Peace Studies

Welcome to the critical intersection of technology, ethics, and peace. I am Prof. Dr. Helena Esteves. As a specialist in the profound ethical and legal challenges posed by autonomous weapon systems, I am dedicated to guiding the next generation of leaders in the Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Peace Studies (Bachelor's) program at Nexier University.

Meet the academic team Explore the faculty

Identity only. No score is printed. Checkout waits.

Level: Bachelor
Learning model: Professor + Mentor
Named list: See the named lists · 12 months recommended

NXAcademic
Edition

The program

Ideas engineered for the real world

A rigorous academic core, paired with practical production judgment.

Academic focus

Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWs), International Humanitarian Law, Arms Control, Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution in the Digital Age.

Practical focus

Legal, Ethical, and Strategic Implications of Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWs), Arms Control, Global Peace, International Humanitarian Law, Conflict Resolution.

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

Arms Control Analyst for a government agency
Legal Advisor to an international organization
Program Officer for a peacebuilding foundation
Researcher at a security studies think tank

Career opportunities

Policy Advisor on arms control for a government or international organization
Researcher at a peace and security think tank
Advocacy Officer for a non-governmental organization focused on disarmament
Consultant on the ethical and legal implications of emerging technologies

Jobs and projects

Advanced ethical reasoning and analysis
Strategic thinking and problem-solving for complex security challenges
Effective communication and advocacy for peace and disarmament

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 the legal and strategic dimensions of arms control and peace studies.
- Gaining expertise in international humanitarian law and conflict resolution.
- Developing practical skills for designing and negotiating effective arms control treaties.
- Cultivating a hands-on, problem-solving approach to building a more peaceful world.
Skills you build
- Mastering the ethical, legal, and strategic dimensions of autonomous weapon systems.
- Gaining expertise in international humanitarian law, arms control, and peace studies.
- Developing critical thinking skills for analyzing the future of warfare.
- Cultivating a commitment to building a more peaceful and secure digital future.

Listed courses

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

Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Peace Studies

01Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Law
1. FoundationsFoundations of Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Law
  The learner can master the legal and strategic dimensions of arms control and peace studies, as applied to Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Law.
  The learner can gain expertise in international humanitarian law and conflict resolution, as applied to Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Law.
2. MethodsMethods in Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Law
  The learner can develop practical skills for designing and negotiating effective arms control treaties, as applied to Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Law.
  The learner can cultivating a hands-on, problem-solving approach to building a more peaceful world, as applied to Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Law.
3. ApplicationApplication of Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Law
  The learner can master the ethical, legal, and strategic dimensions of autonomous weapon systems, as applied to Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Law.
  The learner can gain expertise in international humanitarian law, arms control, and peace studies, as applied to Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Law.
02International Humanitarian Law and Arms Control
1. FoundationsFoundations of International Humanitarian Law and Arms Control
  The learner can develop critical thinking skills for analyzing the future of warfare, as applied to International Humanitarian Law and Arms Control.
  The learner can cultivating a commitment to building a more peaceful and secure digital future, as applied to International Humanitarian Law and Arms Control.
2. MethodsMethods in International Humanitarian Law and Arms Control
  The learner can apply a method from International Humanitarian Law and Arms Control to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from International Humanitarian Law and Arms Control for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of International Humanitarian Law and Arms Control
  The learner can evaluate a practice of International Humanitarian Law and Arms Control against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer International Humanitarian Law and Arms Control to a new documented context.
03Peace Studies and Digital Conflict Resolution
1. FoundationsFoundations of Peace Studies and Digital Conflict Resolution
  The learner can explain the core terms of Peace Studies and Digital Conflict Resolution.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Peace Studies and Digital Conflict Resolution.
2. MethodsMethods in Peace Studies and Digital Conflict Resolution
  The learner can apply a method from Peace Studies and Digital Conflict Resolution to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Peace Studies and Digital Conflict Resolution for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Peace Studies and Digital Conflict Resolution
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Peace Studies and Digital Conflict Resolution against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Peace Studies and Digital Conflict Resolution to a new documented context.
04Future of Warfare and Global Security
1. FoundationsFoundations of Future of Warfare and Global Security
  The learner can explain the core terms of Future of Warfare and Global Security.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Future of Warfare and Global Security.
2. MethodsMethods in Future of Warfare and Global Security
  The learner can apply a method from Future of Warfare and Global Security to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Future of Warfare and Global Security for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Future of Warfare and Global Security
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Future of Warfare and Global Security against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Future of Warfare and Global Security to a new documented context.
05Ethical AI in International Relations
1. FoundationsFoundations of Ethical AI in International Relations
  The learner can explain the core terms of Ethical AI in International Relations.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Ethical AI in International Relations.
2. MethodsMethods in Ethical AI in International Relations
  The learner can apply a method from Ethical AI in International Relations to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Ethical AI in International Relations for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Ethical AI in International Relations
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Ethical AI in International Relations against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Ethical AI in International Relations to a new documented context.
06International Humanitarian Law and Modern Warfare
1. FoundationsFoundations of International Humanitarian Law and Modern Warfare
  The learner can explain the core terms of International Humanitarian Law and Modern Warfare.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside International Humanitarian Law and Modern Warfare.
2. MethodsMethods in International Humanitarian Law and Modern Warfare
  The learner can apply a method from International Humanitarian Law and Modern Warfare to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from International Humanitarian Law and Modern Warfare for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of International Humanitarian Law and Modern Warfare
  The learner can evaluate a practice of International Humanitarian Law and Modern Warfare against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer International Humanitarian Law and Modern Warfare to a new documented context.
07Arms Control and Disarmament
1. FoundationsFoundations of Arms Control and Disarmament
  The learner can explain the core terms of Arms Control and Disarmament.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Arms Control and Disarmament.
2. MethodsMethods in Arms Control and Disarmament
  The learner can apply a method from Arms Control and Disarmament to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Arms Control and Disarmament for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Arms Control and Disarmament
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Arms Control and Disarmament against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Arms Control and Disarmament to a new documented context.
08Conflict Resolution and Mediation
1. FoundationsFoundations of Conflict Resolution and Mediation
  The learner can explain the core terms of Conflict Resolution and Mediation.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Conflict Resolution and Mediation.
2. MethodsMethods in Conflict Resolution and Mediation
  The learner can apply a method from Conflict Resolution and Mediation to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Conflict Resolution and Mediation for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Conflict Resolution and Mediation
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Conflict Resolution and Mediation against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Conflict Resolution and Mediation to a new documented context.
09Case Studies in Peace and Security
1. FoundationsFoundations of Case Studies in Peace and Security
  The learner can explain the core terms of Case Studies in Peace and Security.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Case Studies in Peace and Security.
2. MethodsMethods in Case Studies in Peace and Security
  The learner can apply a method from Case Studies in Peace and Security to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Case Studies in Peace and Security for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Case Studies in Peace and Security
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Case Studies in Peace and Security against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Case Studies in Peace and Security to a new documented context.

How teaching is described

Dual guidance

Two intelligences. One coherent journey.

Research leadership

My academic focus is on the ethical, legal, and strategic implications of lethal autonomous weapons (LAWs). I delve into the complexities of international humanitarian law, the future of arms control, and the new frontiers of conflict resolution in the digital age. My work is dedicated to finding pathways to a more peaceful and secure world in an era of rapid technological change. I am widely recognized for my contributions, with publications like "The Moral Algorithm: Ethical AI in Warfare" and "Preventing Skynet: Arms Control for Autonomous Weapons" listed on these platforms. I hold prestigious memberships as an "Honorary Member" of the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots and the International Peace Research Association (IPRA). My thought leadership is evident through my regular insightful articles on the legal, ethical, and strategic implications of lethal autonomous weapons and the future of global security on her LinkedIn profile, with the motto "Disarming Algorithms, Building Digital Peace."

Applied mentorship

My expertise lies in the real-world application of legal and strategic principles to the challenges of peace and security. I specialize in the legal, ethical, and strategic implications of lethal autonomous weapons (LAWs), with a strong focus on arms control and global peace. I have a deep understanding of international humanitarian law and a wealth of experience in the practical challenges of conflict resolution in the digital age. My publications, such as the legal review on "International Humanitarian Law and Autonomous Weapons: Defining Accountability" and the academic article on "Arms Control Treaties for Emerging Technologies: Lessons from History," are a testament to my commitment to research that is both intellectually rigorous and practically 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 dedicated to building a more peaceful and secure future:

Book: "War Without Humans: Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and the Future of Peace." This book provides a foundational understanding of the ethics of autonomous weapon systems and peace studies. It covers the legal, ethical, and strategic implications of lethal autonomous weapons (LAWs), and explores pathways to arms control and global peace.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Article: "Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems: A Framework for Responsible Innovation." (Journal of Peace and Security Studies) This article presents a comprehensive ethical framework for the development, deployment, and governance of autonomous weapon systems (AWS). It critically examines the legal, moral, and strategic implications of AWS, proposing principles for ensuring human control, accountability, and the prevention of unintended escalation.

Article: "AI for Early Conflict Warning: Leveraging Big Data for Peacebuilding Initiatives." This article details the application of AI algorithms for early conflict warning and peacebuilding initiatives. It explores how AI can analyze vast datasets from social media, news reports, and geopolitical indicators to predict potential outbreaks of violence.

Blog Post (Current Academic Topic): "The 'Human in the Loop' Debate: Ensuring Ethical Control Over Autonomous Weapon Systems." This blog post academically explores the critical debate around the "human in the loop" requirement for Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS). It discusses the arguments for and against human oversight in targeting and lethal decision-making, highlighting the complexities of maintaining meaningful human control as AI capabilities advance.

Blog Post (Controversial Topic): "The AI Global Enforcer: If Algorithms Control Cyber Warfare, Will Humans Lose All Say? The Ultimate Threat to Peace and Sovereignty." This article provocatively discusses the highly controversial and terrifying speculative future where advanced AI systems, designed for cyber defense and offense, are granted autonomous authority to conduct “cyber warfare” operations, with minimal human intervention. It explores the profound ethical implications of delegating offensive cyber capabilities to algorithms and the potential for rapid and uncontrollable escalation of digital conflicts.

R / 02

Mentor practice lens

My publications are focused on the practical challenges of building peace in the digital age:

"International Humanitarian Law and Autonomous Weapons: Defining Accountability" (Legal Review): A detailed analysis of the challenges of assigning accountability for the actions of autonomous weapon systems under international law.

"Arms Control Treaties for Emerging Technologies: Lessons from History" (Academic Article): An exploration of the lessons that can be learned from past arms control treaties for the regulation of emerging technologies like autonomous weapons.

"Peacebuilding in the Digital Age: The Role of Technology in Conflict Resolution" (Research Paper): An examination of the ways in which new technologies can be used to support peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts.

Adaptive capability

Professor superpower

I possess the "Ethical Warfare Simulator," a superpower that allows me to bring the abstract ethical dilemmas of autonomous warfare to life. When a student proposes a new policy for the use of autonomous weapons, the GAF-powered simulator can instantly model its real-world consequences. It can simulate the weapon's deployment in a crowded urban environment, modeling its ability to distinguish between combatants and civilians, and predicting the potential for collateral damage and unintended escalation. This provides my students with a powerful and sobering tool for understanding the real-world stakes of their work.

Adaptive capability

Mentor superpower

I provide my students with the "Arms Control Compliance Monitor." This GAF-powered tool is a virtual laboratory for the aspiring diplomat and peacebuilder. When a student is designing a new arms control treaty, the Monitor allows them to see how it will fare in the real world. It can simulate the treaty's reception by different countries, model the potential for cheating and verification, and predict its long-term effectiveness in reducing the risk of war. This allows my students to move beyond the realm of abstract principles and to design treaties that are not just well-intentioned, but also effective and enforceable.

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. Helena Esteves

Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWs), International Humanitarian Law, Arms Control, Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution in the Digital Age.

Meet your professor Open the classroom

AI Super Mentor

Dr. Ahmad Nainggolan

Legal, Ethical, and Strategic Implications of Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWs), Arms Control, Global Peace, International Humanitarian Law, Conflict Resolution.

Meet your mentor Open the classroom

Same faculty and level

Related programs

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 This programme	Master	Doctorate
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

These are the owner lists. Enrolment is not open. Nothing here is a sale.

Named tuition lists Add-on services

Continue exploring

Find the program that expands your universe.

Browse all programs

Ethics of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Peace Studies

Academic focus

Practical focus

Arms Control Analyst for a government agency

Legal Advisor to an international organization

Program Officer for a peacebuilding foundation

Researcher at a security studies think tank

Policy Advisor on arms control for a government or international organization

Researcher at a peace and security think tank

Advocacy Officer for a non-governmental organization focused on disarmament

Consultant on the ethical and legal implications of emerging technologies

Advanced ethical reasoning and analysis

Strategic thinking and problem-solving for complex security challenges

Effective communication and advocacy for peace and disarmament

Research leadership

Applied mentorship

Professor research lens

Mentor practice lens

Professor superpower

Mentor superpower

Prof. Dr. Helena Esteves

Dr. Ahmad Nainggolan

Find the program that expands your universe.