파괴적 신기술로서 인공지능의 군사적 이용 규제 국제규범 논의 동향과 시사점

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence(AI), cyber, and space—often termed “disruptive emerging technologies (EDT)”—are advancing rapidly. Due to their inherently dual-use nature, these technologies are expected to have significant ripple effects on national and international security when applied to the military domain. Particularly in the case of artificial intelligence technology, it is rapidly being put into practical use in the fields of perception and cognitive augmentation. When combined with weapons, information, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, its military and intelligence potential is assessed to be enormous. International discussions on AI technology as an EDT also focus on the need to establish guidelines and international norms that acknowledge the benefits to humanity through technological innovation when applying and utilizing the technology, while simultaneously considering ethical and legal aspects. In this context, the Second REAIM Conference held in Seoul in 2024 became a crucial turning point for future discussions on the military use of AI, establishing a normative framework. Specifically, the REAIM Conference will serve as the catalyst for substantive international discussions on the scope of AI's military use, specific threat assessments, and current issues and challenges concerning international norms and international law. Recently, while South Korea possesses a basic development strategy for AI, it lacks an AI strategy or policy functioning as a national strategy encompassing military security issues, unlike major technological powers. This creates limitations in responding to the rapidly changing international trends in AI technology governance and norms. Therefore, the REAIM conference presents an opportunity not only to establish basic guidelines at the international level but also to reexamine a comprehensive national strategy at the domestic level.