# The implicated scientist: on the role of AI researchers in the development of weapons systems

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.18380 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.18380/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 6 of its 47 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 20 Apr 2026.

## Builds on (most cited first, 6 of 6)

- [The Grey Hoodie Project: Big Tobacco, Big Tech, and the threat on academic integrity](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2009.13676/) (2020)
- [AI-Powered Autonomous Weapons Risk Geopolitical Instability and Threaten AI Research](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.01859/) (2024)
- [The Surveillance AI Pipeline](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.15084/) (2023)
- [Explaining Probabilistic Models with Distributional Values](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.09947/) (2024)
- [Basic Research, Lethal Effects: Military AI Research Funding as Enlistment](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2411.17840/) (2024)
- [Irresponsible AI: big tech's influence on AI research and associated impacts](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.03077/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly used in modern weapons systems. Notably, these systems have recently been involved in mass killings and destruction at scale. Furthermore, there is currently a strong interest and competition among powerful players to accelerate the proliferation of weapons with automated or AI-based components, a phenomenon known as AI arms race. This competition poses a risk of causing even more deaths and devastation in the future, as well as increased power and wealth inequality. In this work, we aim to shed light on the role of AI researchers as implicated subjects in the harms caused by weapons enabled by AI technologies. We investigate and discuss the specifics of this implication and explore ways to transfigure this position of implication into one of differentiated, long-distance solidarity with the victims of technologically fortified injustices.