Read the following quote from paragraph 3 of the article “What Happens to War When AI Takes Over?”
“Programming machines to decide when to fire on which targets could have horrifying consequences for civilians. It should prompt intense moral debate. In practice, though, war short-circuits these discussions.”

Using context clues and your own prior knowledge, what does the author mean by using the word “short-circuit” here?

"Short-circuit" in this statement refers to eschewing or ending something suddenly, usually unexpectedly or unintentionally. The summary is as follows: Electrical Short Circuit: A short circuit in electronics occurs when electricity unexpectedly passes through an unauthorized conduit, leading to faults. Interpretation in Figurative Form: "Short-circuit" is used metaphorically by the author. The phrase claims that war obstructs the planned course of moral discussion before it even begins. This is why the meaning is appropriate: Moral Debate: According to the author, there ought to be a moral conversation on AI's decision-making when it comes to choosing combat targets. Conflict Prevents Conversation: However, the quotation states that these conversations cannot even begin due to the reality of war. Like a short circuit, war halts the proper flow of discussion and ideas. Therefore, "short-circuit" highlights how conflict produces an environment in which important moral and ethical conversations are sidelined.