Artificial Intelligence and the Principle of Sovereignty under Public International Law

Abstract

Within this context, artificial intelligence has introduced new challenges to sovereignty, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and digital sovereignty. Although AI systems operate within parameters defined by programmers, their emerging ability to make independent decisions within certain limits has raised critical questions about the extent of state control over such technologies. AI is defined as a scientific and technological field that integrates various disciplines—including computer science, mathematics, and engineering—with the goal of developing systems capable of simulating human intelligence in learning, analysis, and decision-making. Today, AI systems are widely used in sectors such as transportation, precision industries, and healthcare, exemplified by robotics and autonomous vehicles. The rise of AI has also sparked philosophical and legal debates concerning robot ethics and the possibility of granting robots legal status in the future. While these systems currently remain under human programming, their accelerating development necessitates the formulation of ethical and legal frameworks to govern them. From a legal standpoint, the legislation in many countries—such as Iraq, Lebanon, and Egypt—lacks specific regulation for intelligent vehicles. Existing traffic laws define vehicles in traditional terms, with no reference to autonomous cars. In the judicial realm, AI has demonstrated its potential to support justice systems through technologies that analyze documents, assist in issuing judgments, and enhance legal research efficiency. The United States leads in this domain with innovations like "robot lawyers" and applications that help judges swiftly and accurately review evidence and documentation. In international law, the evolution of AI has impacted traditional legal principles, particularly sovereignty, which now intersects with issues like digital security and humanitarian intervention. These changes occur within a new global order marked by imbalance and the dominance of major powers in international decision-making. In conclusion, it remains essential to uphold the principle of legal equality among states, respect for their sovereignty and independence, and the unity of their territory and internal decision-making processes. At the same time, there is an urgent need to develop legal frameworks that accommodate AI’s impact and safeguard state sovereignty against potential encroachments under the guise of modern technology.