M. A. Gubrud

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Total Citations

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About

Mark A. Gubrud is a physicist and arms control scholar whose research lies at the critical intersection of emerging military technologies, artificial intelligence, and international security. He is best known for his foundational work on the ethical and strategic implications of autonomous weapons systems. His highly influential paper “Stopping killer robots” (2014, 47 citations) helped define the global debate on lethal autonomous weapons, arguing that such systems—capable of selecting and engaging targets without human intervention—pose profound moral and security risks. Gubrud’s work has been instrumental in shaping the international campaign to ban fully autonomous weapons. Earlier, in “Anticipating military nanotechnology” (2004, 35 citations), co-authored with Jürgen Altmann, he explored the transformative potential of nanotechnology for warfare, envisioning a future of micro-sensor nets, self-guided munitions, and networked soldiers. This prescient analysis remains a touchstone for scholars studying the convergence of nanotech, robotics, and military affairs. Gubrud’s contributions have earned him recognition as a leading voice in the responsible governance of emerging technologies, and his research continues to inform policymakers, ethicists, and scientists grappling with the future of warfare.