NATO: the new international strategy on biotechnology and human enhancement technologies

Translated by Andrea Solazzo

On 12 April 2024, NATO published its first international strategy on biotechnology and human performance augmentation (HPA) technologies. The document, aimed at promoting the defensive and responsible use of these emerging technologies, emphasises the importance of an ethical and safe approach, considering the convergence of artificial intelligence and biotechnology that is increasingly amplifying the risks of proliferation for harmful purposes, further complicating their monitoring.

But what are they?

Biotechnologies represent a set of advanced technologies that make it possible to control and modify the biological activities of living beings. They were identified as a priority as early as 2019 and have continued to evolve rapidly, bringing with them profound implications in several areas.

For example, in the case of medicine, cutting-edge techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 are revolutionising the ability to modify the human genome to treat genetic diseases. In parallel, in agriculture, genetically modified plants are showing increased resistance to pests, increasing productivity and reducing dependence on pesticides.

But the applications of biotechnology are not limited to these areas. Both the Alliance and its opponents are constantly investing in advanced technologies such as AI-enabled biosensors to monitor chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats. In addition, advanced materials are being developed for military infrastructure and equipment that are more resilient, self-healing and efficient.

These efforts are part of an even broader trend towards “Human Augmentation”, which aims to enhance and exceed the normal physical, cognitive and psychological capabilities of individuals through the use of cutting-edge technologies such as:

• Advanced prosthesis to improve or restore the motor and sensory capabilities of military personnel by using of bionic limbs and exoskeletons, produced by avant-garde companies such as “Sarcos Robotics” and already tested by the US Navy to increase soldiers' strength and endurance.
• Neurotechnology, capable of interacting directly with the nervous system and intended to improve the cognitive abilities of soldiers through brain-computer interfaces (BCI). This technology is being developed as part of the “Next Generation Nonsurgical Neurotechnology” project, funded by DARPA, the US defence advanced research agency. The final goal is to use these interfaces to control weaponry and drones with the mind, allowing soldiers to handle multitasking tasks during complex missions and improve decision-making. In parallel, the introduction of specific drugs aims to reduce the need for sleep, allowing prolonged operations under stress without compromising operational performance.
• Modified genetics, another field in which DARPA, together with the Innovative Genomics Institute, is exploring the possibility of making soldiers more resistant to radiation in highly risky warfare scenarios.

Ethical concerns

Over the years, biotechnology has fuelled intense debates on various ethical issues, including the protection of human rights, dignity and shared values.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) raise crucial issues concerning privacy, autonomy and the risk of unauthorised access to soldiers' thoughts, as well as the manipulation of brain activity itself. Due to their ability to interact directly with the brain and vital systems, these augmentation devices can in fact collect vast amounts of personal data and allow surveillance of individuals' movements, activities and even thoughts.

Moreover, the use of such technologies raises concerns about how they may affect personal identity, sense of self and social dynamics, as well as complicating the attribution of responsibility for any ethically negative consequences of their use. A tangible example is the question of who is responsible if a facial recognition system wrongly identifies a threat.

Biotechnology also poses a challenge to respect fundamental ethical principles, such as the Jus ad Bellum (the moral justification for recourse to war) and the Jus in Bello (the rules governing conduct during conflicts, including the treatment of civilians and combatants). These principles include the distinction between combatants and non-combatants, the proportionality of military actions, the necessity of measures taken, the prohibition of causing unnecessary suffering and respect for non-discrimination. Human enhancement technologies could undermine the ability of combatants to respect these principles, increasing aggression and undermining the morality of consensus as they are forced to do their duty.

NATO strategy

As outlined in the document, NATO allies from now on will be firmly committed to ensuring that applications of human enhancement technologies respect six fundamental principles: legality, accountability, safety and security, human autonomy, informed consent and sustainability.

In summary, BHE technologies will be developed and used in accordance with national and international laws and the Charter of Human Rights. It will be a priority to ensure that the use of these technologies is done judiciously, with clear guidelines on human responsibility to ensure accountability. Implementation of BHE will only be allowed after passing rigorous security procedures, with the goal of not compromising individuals' sense of judgement and freedom of conscience, preserving their innate dignity and requiring explicit consent. Finally, BHE technologies will be carefully evaluated for their environmental impact.

In conclusion, NATO, together with allies, are focusing their efforts on creating tools to assess the risks and impact of these technologies, supported by training programmes, a panel of experts and the NATO Innovation Fund. These technologies offer significant benefits for the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of military personnel, but they also raise not insignificant ethical, social and economic issues regarding equity, accessibility and the effect on labour markets. Therefore, it is essential to develop clear policies and strict governance for their use especially in the military, involving medical, legal and political officials.

Mondo Internazionale APS - Riproduzione Riservata ® 2024