Topic: Autonomous Weapon Systems
Country: Sweden
Delegate Name: Joshua Reminga
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Sweden position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
Autonomous weapons systems are weapons that are controlled without any human input. An autonomous weapon is able to identify, target, and ultimately kill or destroy its desired target. This type of weapon is still currently in development in many countries and so far no country has come out with a fully functional model ready for field use. The nature of these types of weapons and their effectiveness is yet to be known due to the fact that there only exist prototypes of these models thus far.
Sweden currently has not taken any actions against autonomous weapons systems directly. However Sweden has participated in talks regarding the use of such systems and believes that they are dangerous items whose use should be carefully dictated.
Sweden would like to see resolutions passed that restrict the use and development of lethal autonomous weapons systems. Civilian safety is one of Sweden’s main concerns so it would like to see specific zoning resolutions passed to ensure the safety of civilians.
Sweden expects that countries including The United States, Britain, and France, will also support restrictions upon lethal autonomous weapons systems. Sweden believes this due to the support on this issue that the aforementioned countries have shown in previous conversations.
Sweden believes that The Republic of Korea may oppose the proposition of banning autonomous weapons completely on the premise that they believe that the technology developed due to autonomous weapons could positively affect the field of robotics and civilian life.
