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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.6...
Article . 2026 . Peer-reviewed
Data sources: Crossref
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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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From Models to Systems: A Survey of Explainability for Tool-Augmented Language Models and AI Agents

Authors: Roth, Benjamin; Edwards, Nicholas; Hong, Pingjun; Schoenegger, Loris; Schuster, Sebastian;

From Models to Systems: A Survey of Explainability for Tool-Augmented Language Models and AI Agents

Abstract

Large language models (LLMs) are increasingly being used as part of complex agentic systems that orchestrate the use of external tools, such as retrieval mechanisms or code interpreters. In this survey, we argue that this development necessitates a rethinking of the goals of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI): Rather than focusing on providing users with explanations for monolithic machine learning models, we need system-level explanations that also provide information about which and how tools are used, as well as how external execution traces causally influence system behavior. We provide an overview of the existing methods in explainable AI and discuss the limitations of monolithic XAI methods in agentic contexts. Finally, we highlight open challenges in providing faithful explanations for LLM-based systems.

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Keywords

tool-augmented LMs, XAI, large language models, AI agents, explainable AI

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average