Militarization of Artificial Intelligence: autonomous weapons, strategic balance, and algorithmic governance

Keywords: algorithmic geopolitics, artificial intelligence, militarization, international security, technological sovereignty, emerging technologies

Abstract

This article examines the militarization of artificial intelligence in international security through a bibliometric approach with an indicator-guided narrative synthesis. Scopus was consulted and techniques of cooccurrence, network analysis, clustering, and citation were applied to delimit the field empirically and prioritize authors, concepts, and trends. Analytical constructs were defined (artificial intelligence and emerging technologies) and outcomes of interest (geopolitical power and technological sovereignty). The findings organize five key elements: remote projection of capabilities, competitive advantage derived from automated learning, dematerialization of conflict through digital integration, hybrid warfare with cognitive-informational effects, and governance aimed at regulation, verification, and safeguards. The evidence shows that algorithmic adoption reshapes power balances, fosters new technological dependencies, and strains regulatory regimes, demanding specific frameworks for containment and deterrence. The study provides a structural map of the field and a reproducible methodological path to guide public decision-making and the research agenda.

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Author Biographies

German Darío Corzo Ussa, Escuela Superior de Guerra “General Rafael Reyes Prieto”, Colombia

PhD in Strategic Planning and Technology Management from the Popular Autonomous University of the State of Puebla (Mexico), holds a Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Colombia), is an Electronic Engineer from the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas (Colombia), a university professor, and a Senior Researcher at the National System of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Colombian National Army.

Carol Vanesa Quintero-Rosas, Escuela Superior de Guerra “General Rafael Reyes Prieto”, Colombia

Master’s degree in Government Procurement from the University of La Sabana (Colombia); Specialist in Criminal Procedure, Constitutional Law, and Military Criminal Justice from the Nueva Granada Military University (Colombia); Law degree from the Free University (Colombia).

Nathalie Tarazona-Rojas, Escuela de Aviación del Ejército, Colombia

Master's degree in Innovation and Educational Technology from El Bosque University (Colombia); Specialist in Project Management from Piloto University of Colombia; and a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Industrial University of Santander (Colombia).

How to Cite
Corzo Ussa, G. D., Quintero-Rosas, C. V., & Tarazona-Rojas, N. (2025). Militarization of Artificial Intelligence: autonomous weapons, strategic balance, and algorithmic governance. Perspectives in Intelligence Journal, 17(26), 83–96. https://doi.org/10.47961/2145194X.828

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Published
2025-11-04
Section
Articles

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