The International Review of the Red Cross (ICRC) has announced a new Call for Papers on “Protection of Civilians and International Humanitarian Law in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” The call seeks innovative research examining how artificial intelligence is changing humanitarian action, armed conflict, international humanitarian law (IHL), and the protection of civilians.
Researchers, academics, legal experts, policy specialists and other interested contributors are invited to submit abstracts for consideration for a thematic edition of the International Review of the Red Cross.
The deadline for submitting abstracts is 1 September 2026, while selected authors will be expected to submit full papers by 15 April 2027.
ICRC Call for Papers 2026 Overview
| Opportunity | ICRC Call for Papers 2026 |
|---|---|
| Theme | Protection of Civilians and International Humanitarian Law in the Age of AI |
| Organizer | International Review of the Red Cross / ICRC |
| Opportunity Type | Call for Papers |
| Who Can Apply | Established and emerging researchers, academics and other interested authors |
| Abstract Length | Maximum 700 words |
| Full Paper Length | 8,000–10,000 words, including footnotes |
| Abstract Deadline | 1 September 2026 |
| Selection Notification | 15 October 2026 |
| Full Paper Deadline | 15 April 2027 |
| Submission Format | Single Word document |
| Submission Email | review@icrc.org |
About the ICRC Call for Papers
The thematic edition will examine the implications of artificial intelligence in relation to armed conflict, particularly its impact on civilian protection and international humanitarian law.
The call recognizes AI broadly, including machine-learning systems, predictive analytics, computer vision, natural-language processing, large language models, decision-support systems and other computational systems used to generate, classify, predict, recommend or assist decisions related to armed conflict.
The International Review of the Red Cross is particularly interested in innovative research that can contribute to future legal and policy debates surrounding AI and armed conflict.
Multidisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged to submit proposals, and the journal also welcomes empirical research examining AI systems developed in different regions of the world.
Research Topics for the Call for Papers
Applicants can submit proposals addressing several areas related to AI, armed conflict and international humanitarian law.
1. AI Use by Humanitarian Organizations
One area of interest concerns how humanitarian organizations can responsibly use AI in situations involving armed conflict.
Potential research topics include:
- AI for humanitarian needs assessments
- Resource allocation using artificial intelligence
- AI-powered early warning systems
- Anticipatory humanitarian action
- Negotiation strategies
- Protection analysis
- Humanitarian decision-making
- Risks and limitations of AI in humanitarian operations
- Maintaining the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence
- Applying the “do no harm” approach when using AI
Researchers may also explore how humanitarian and technology communities can learn from one another and develop responsible approaches to AI.
2. AI and Compliance With International Humanitarian Law
The call also seeks research on whether AI can help armed actors comply with core IHL obligations.
Possible areas include:
- Distinction
- Proportionality
- Precautions in attack
- AI-assisted decision-making
- Data quality and bias
- System unpredictability
- Accountability
- Civilian data protection
- AI-enabled military systems
- Generative AI and synthetic media
- Algorithmically amplified information operations
- AI applications outside the conduct of hostilities
3. AI for IHL Research and Analysis
Another focus is the use of artificial intelligence in researching and analyzing international humanitarian law.
Researchers could examine:
- AI-assisted IHL research
- Large language models and legal research
- AI-generated IHL analysis
- Methodological rigor and transparency
- Bias in AI systems
- Diversity of legal interpretations
- Reliability of AI-generated legal assessments
- AI and IHL compliance assessments
- Risks associated with using AI-generated analysis for real-world decisions
4. Governance of AI in Armed Conflict
The fourth major research area focuses on AI governance and armed conflict.
Potential topics include:
- Legal frameworks governing AI in armed conflict
- Ethical principles for military AI
- The relationship between AI governance and IHL
- Responsibilities of private technology companies
- Transnational digital infrastructure
- Governance of AI-enabled military technologies
- Protection of people affected by armed conflict
- Future international AI governance frameworks
Who Can Submit?
The call is open to established and emerging voices interested in the topic. Proposals may also be submitted by co-authors and multidisciplinary teams.
The ICRC particularly encourages multidisciplinary proposals and empirical research involving AI systems developed in different parts of the world.
Proposals may be submitted in:
- English
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- Spanish
- Russian
Abstract Requirements
Applicants must submit an abstract of no more than 700 words, together with a short biography.
The abstract should include:
- Proposed title
- Main arguments the author intends to develop
- An explanation of how the proposed research could strengthen the protection of people affected by armed conflict
The selection process will prioritize innovative proposals that have clear potential to advance legal and policy debates concerning AI and armed conflict.
Full Paper Requirements
Authors whose proposals are selected will be invited to prepare a full-length article.
The target length is 8,000 to 10,000 words, including footnotes, although the journal states that longer submissions may also be considered.
Articles that meet the initial screening criteria will undergo a double-blind peer review process.
The deadline for completed papers is 15 April 2027.
Important AI Submission Requirement
Applicants should pay particular attention to the journal’s policy regarding generative AI.
The call states that applicants are strongly discouraged from using generative AI tools to draft their abstracts or articles. Undisclosed use of AI may result in immediate and permanent disqualification of a proposal.
Therefore, prospective contributors should carefully review the official requirements before preparing and submitting their work.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare:
- A maximum 700-word abstract
- A short biography
- The proposed title
- Main arguments of the proposed article
- Explanation of how the research can strengthen civilian protection
The abstract and biography should be combined into one Word document.
Applicants should then email the document to:
The email subject line should state:
Protection and IHL in the Age of AI
Key Deadlines
Important dates for the ICRC Call for Papers are:
- 1 September 2026: Deadline for abstracts
- 15 October 2026: Applicants notified whether their abstracts have been selected
- 15 April 2027: Deadline for full papers for invited authors
Researchers interested in participating should begin developing their proposals early, particularly because the abstract must clearly demonstrate an original contribution to legal or policy discussions.
Why This Call for Papers Matters
Artificial intelligence is increasingly relevant to humanitarian operations, legal research, military decision-making, information environments and international policy.
This call provides researchers with an opportunity to contribute to discussions about how AI should be developed and governed in ways that protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law.
The International Review of the Red Cross is a peer-reviewed academic journal established in 1869 and produced three times a year by the International Committee of the Red Cross and published by Cambridge University Press.
How to Submit Your Proposal
Interested researchers should prepare their 700-word abstract and short biography as a single Word document and submit it by 1 September 2026.
The official call for papers and submission requirements are available through the International Review of the Red Cross.
Submission Email: review@icrc.org
Subject: Protection and IHL in the Age of AI
Abstract Deadline: 1 September 2026
Full Paper Deadline: 15 April 2027
Final Thoughts
The ICRC Call for Papers 2026 is particularly relevant to researchers working in international humanitarian law, artificial intelligence, human rights, humanitarian studies, technology policy, international relations, military ethics and related disciplines.
Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that offer original and forward-looking perspectives on the relationship between artificial intelligence, armed conflict, civilian protection and international humanitarian law.
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