Transnational Law & Contemporary Problems (TLCP), the University of Iowa College of Law's international law journal, will hold its 2025 symposium Artificial Intelligence and International Humanitarian Law on April 3-4 in Iowa City, Iowa.

This symposium will focus on the evolving role of technology in armed conflict, with special attention to topics such as cyber warfare and AI, autonomous weapons systems and the law of armed conflict, and regulating AI in warfare. We aim to foster meaningful discussions that contribute actionable insights for policymakers and the broader human rights and international humanitarian law communities.

📅 Thursday, April 3, 2025 | ⏰ 5:00-6:00📍 Old Capitol Museum
Kick off the symposium with a compelling keynote address by Mitt Regan, exploring "AI Weapons, Systems Thinking, and the Laws of War."

📅 Friday, April 4, 2025 | ⏰ 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM  |📍Boyd Law Building
Engage in thought-provoking discussions on artificial intelligence and the law of war, featuring expert panels and dynamic conversations.

🔗 Registration

There is no fee, but attendees must register by Friday, March 28, 2025 at this link: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_54EDjOR5AMmh6t0  Additional details will be provided to registered attendees prior to the symposium

This event is approved for 3.75 hours of Iowa Continuing Legal Education credit.

Tentative program

Thursday, April 3, 2025

5:00-6:00        Opening Keynote (Senate Chamber, Old Capitol Museum, University of Iowa)

                        "AI Weapons, Systems Thinking, and the Laws of War" Mitt Regan, Georgetown Law Center

Friday, April 4, 2025 (Boyd Law Building)

8:15                 Check-in & Coffee (Boyd Law Building Lobby)

9:00                 Welcome Remarks

                        Todd Pettys, Interim Dean, University of Iowa College of Law

9:15                 First Session: AI and Surveillance, Preemptive Strikes, and Ethical Implications in Warfare            

  • Mais Qandeel, Örebro University, Sweden
  • Laura Yost, Kirkwood Community College
  • Ben Farley, University of Minnesota Human Rights Center
  • Moderator: Megan Graham, University of Iowa College of Law

10:45               Break

11:00               Second Session: AI and Autonomy in Weapon Systems, Command Responsibility, and Regulation

  • Mitt Regan, McDevitt Professor of Jurisprudence, Georgetown Law Center
  • Jovana Davidovic, University of Iowa
  • Kevin Frazier, UT Austin School of Law
  • Moderator: Mihailis Diamantis, Professor of Law, University of Iowa College of Law

12:15               Lunch for registered attendees (Boyd Law Building Lobby)

1:15                 Third Session: Emerging Voices in AI and International Humanitarian Law: Cutting-Edge Research and Perspectives

  • Yuan Fang, J.S.D Candidate, Washington University School of Law
  • Aisha Suleiman, SJD Candidate, University of Iowa College of Law
  • Casey Scott, Philosophy Ph.D. Candidate, University of Iowa
  • Moderator: Hope Metcalf, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Iowa College of Law

2:30                     Closing Remarks (Levitt Auditorium, Boyd Law Building)

 Adrien Wing, Associate Dean for International and Comparative Law and Bessie Dutton Murray Professor, University of Iowa College of Law

 

Co-sponsors include the UI Center for Human Rights, International Programs, Interdisciplinary Consortium on the Study of War & Genocide, Graduate & Professional Student Government, and Iowa United National Association.