The event was co-organized with the Bavarian Scientific Alliance for Peace, Conflict and Security. The Alliance is a collaboration of currently nine universities in Bavaria, funded by the Bavarian government, that aims to join academic forces in peace and conflict research and strengthen ties to political and civil society actors.

The session explored the intersection of AI and cyber capabilities, emphasizing the increasing complexity of software and its implications for security. The conversation also touched on Europe’s position in cyber-defense, questioning whether the region is keeping pace with global developments.

The conversation furthermore addressed the so-called “AI race” and how it compares to past arms races, particularly in nuclear and cyber contexts. The panel reflected on the newly published AI Safety Report, discussing existential risks tied to AI-controlled military systems. A critical point was the need for a global approach to AI governance, including perspectives from the Global South.

Beyond security risks, the session examined AI’s potential to support peacebuilding and human rights efforts. AI can enhance the documentation of war crimes and human rights violations, aiding accountability and justice. The role of AI in conflict prediction was another key theme, with speakers debating whether AI can be reliably used to forecast and mitigate emerging conflicts.