Artificial Intelligence and Arms Races in the Middle East: The Evolution of Technology and its Implications for Regional and International Security

Artificial Intelligence is now deeply connected to weapons systems.
It therefore plays a critical role in matters concerning international
peace and security. AI has also seen military competition take on a
new dynamic. However, few studies have addressed the distinct
dynamics of AI and its effects on Middle Eastern arms races. Given
that these issues have the potential to fuel regional conflicts and
jeopardise international security, it is contended that it is crucial to
investigate their impact in both the medium and long-term. This
article argues that the Middle East has had several arms races in
past, which need to be understood to learn the lessons about
what might happen in the future. It is also important to
understand how a variety of international actors have negatively
affected peace and stability in the region with their arms sales.
The research argues that at present, there is a lack of
understanding about the implications of AI and its economic,
legal, security, and political consequences. The article makes a
variety of recommendations on the implications of AI, including
that states in the region should be coordinating, planning, and
developing policy with respect to AI and arms matters.