Global Governance of the AI–Nuclear Nexus: Unpacking UNGA Resolution 80/23
Introduction
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution 80/23 in December 2025, addressing the risks arising from the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into nuclear command, control and communications (NC3) systems. This resolution reflects ongoing concerns about regulating the use of nuclear weapons, particularly by nuclear weapons states (NWS).
Voting Patterns and Significance
Resolution 80/23 garnered support from 118 states, with 9 states voting against and 44 abstaining. Notably, all NWS either abstained or opposed the resolution, highlighting a divide between NWS and non-nuclear weapons states (NNWS). The resolution marks a crucial step towards global governance of the AI–nuclear nexus, establishing a platform for multilateral dialogue concerning human oversight of NC3 systems integrating AI.
Risks Associated with AI–NC3 Integration
NC3 systems are responsible for overseeing nuclear operations, including situational awareness, planning, and command execution. The integration of AI within these systems poses significant risks, as outlined in the resolution’s preamble. Key concerns include:
- Reduction of Human Control: AI-enabled decision-making could diminish human oversight, increasing the risk of decision-making distortions.
- Data Scarcity: Limited training data may hinder the accuracy and effectiveness of AI outputs in sensitive operational environments.
- Vulnerability to Manipulation: AI systems can be susceptible to adversarial attacks, where training data is poisoned, potentially leading to catastrophic misjudgments.
- Reduced Deliberation Time: The rapid generation of AI outputs could minimize the role of human judgment and diplomatic efforts in nuclear decision-making.
Unpacking the Resolution
The first operative paragraph of resolution 80/23 emphasizes maintaining human control over NC3 systems with integrated AI. It urges NWS to publicly affirm this principle in their national policies. The resolution also calls for confidence-building measures to be developed under existing disarmament frameworks. The upcoming 81st session of the UNGA will further address the implications of AI integration within NC3 systems.
Responses from Nuclear Weapons States
The voting patterns reveal a clear divide, with NWS either abstaining or opposing the resolution. For instance, the United States, Russia, and France cited that the resolution did not adequately reflect the potential benefits of AI for NC3 systems. Conversely, NNWS have shown strong support, reflecting their commitment to regulating nuclear behavior and shaping norms in an area dominated by NWS.
Future Directions
Resolution 80/23 signals a pivotal moment in the governance of the AI–nuclear nexus. It aims to foster multilateral dialogue on the associated risks without imposing direct constraints on NWS. The focus on human oversight establishes a normative reference for future discussions, despite the resolution being non-binding.
Moving forward, practical implementation of human control and oversight in NC3 systems will be paramount. Questions surrounding the definition of human control, oversight criteria, and accountability must be addressed through sustained multilateral dialogue, which resolution 80/23 has initiated.
