The independent resource on global security

Emerging military and security technologies

Emerging military and security technologies
Emerging Technologies Around the World as Art. Photo: kentoh/Shutterstock

Advances in science and technology present both opportunities and risks for international peace and security. SIPRI’s work on emerging technologies aims to ensure that these opportunities and risks are accurately identified, widely understood and governed in a timely and effective manner.

SIPRI’s research on emerging military and security technologies monitors key developments in science and technology. It explores how these developments could undermine or enhance peace and security, fuel and transform conflicts, and be dealt with through existing or new governance frameworks. The research aims to produce informative and evidence-based analysis and recommendations for policymakers and facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues involving experts from governments, the private sector and experts from different regions and disciplines.

Through its ongoing research initiatives, SIPRI aims to support international policy debates on artificial intelligence, autonomy in weapon systems, additive manufacturing, space technologies, biotechnology and cyberwarfare technology, emerging technology and international law, and responsible research and innovation for peace and security.


Autonomy in weapon systems

SIPRI explores challenges posed by the advances of autonomy in weapon systems.

Artificial intelligence

SIPRI explores the impact artificial intelligence on international peace and security.

Fibre optic cables connect to computer ports

SIPRI explores the governance of cyber-security and cyberspace.

Technology convergence

SIPRI examines the challenges emerging from the interaction between emerging but also older technologies.

Emerging technologies and international humanitarian law

SIPRI aims to increase the understanding of how IHL applies to new military technologies.

Responsible research and innovation for peace and security

SIPRI aims to promote RRI as a way for academia and the private sector to mitigate the risk resulting from the development, diffusion and military use of new technologies.

Additive manufacturing

SIPRI’s work on AM focuses on its impact on the development and proliferation of conventional weapons, CBN weapons and their delivery systems.

Research staff

Dr Sibylle Bauer is Director of Studies, Armament and Disarmament.
Dr Vincent Boulanin is a Senior Researcher on emerging military and security technologies.
Laura Bruun is a Research Assistant working on emerging military and security technologies.