Ideas and Innovation
Summer often brings a moment to pause, reflect, and spark new ideas. The frenzy of 2023, filled with AI hype and fear, has begun to fade. Now, the question on everyone’s mind is, “So what?” AI is here, but it’s no longer about the spectacle; it’s about the substance. In many ways, AI has begun its descent into the ‘disillusionment’ phase of the Gartner Hype Cycle (see graph).
But this is where the Gartner curve’s explanatory power hits a wall. Gartner’s curve correctly highlights that today’s disillusionment is a reaction to last year’s overblown hype.
However, AI will continue to grow, not through the grandiose proclamations of figures like Sam Altman. Instead, we’ll see AI quietly but profoundly reshape our societies and organisations.
Diplo’s humAInism approach got validated by practice! While technology plays a necessary role, it’s not the critical driver of AI changes. It is not just a phrase but a deep understanding based on our in-depth understanding of what is going on ‘under the bonnet’ of AI engines…
Beyond technology, AI is about wider societal changes centered around humans, as indicated here…
and mapped by Diplo’s humAInism approach…
As Diplo’s humAInism approach has proven itself in practice, we took the summer to refine it further by being philosophical in thinking and practical in action.
We focused on two key areas within our mandate: education and diplomacy, both poised for significant and positive transformation in the coming years.
Staying committed to sustainable and practical innovation, we’ve highlighted specific AI solutions in the text below.
AI is commodity: In one day, you can have an AI chatbot. But….
Yes, in 2024, AI became a commodity. It is affordable and easy to use. But, an easy entry point to AI gets much more demanding with AI transformation of organisations as summarised by a formula—one day, one month, one year:
- One day, or even less, to set up a chatbot on OpenAI or other platforms
- One month to develop a functional AI assistant with a selection of documents and customised prompts
- One year to fully integrate AI into organisations and safeguard institutional knowledge by using in-house AI models, knowledge graphs, RAGs, and other AI techniques.
The key takeaway? Don’t pay a one-year price for a one-day solution! At Diplo, we’re working to raise awareness among international and diplomatic instutions to avoid squandering resources on superficial AI solutions at the time of budgetary crisis.
Practically, we organise master briefings for leaders and run AI Apprenticeship programmes for officials.
AI is about knowledge: Transforming our organisations
To fully harness the power of AI, it’s essential to centre our organisations around knowledge—not just data. At Diplo, we’ve focused on integrating AI through a “cognitive proximity” approach centred around humans and their knowledge.
Recently, a researcher embedded within our team authored an academic article highlighting what he termed our “ethnographic approach” to developing ethical AI.
His insights revealed that what we consider routine in our AI management could offer solutions to a major challenge in modern AI development: translating thousands of ethical codes into the development and deployment of AI models and applications
Beyond the technical aspects of AI, the real challenge lies in adapting this new approach to organisations, businesses, and governments where knowledge sharing is the exception rather than the rule.
As our expertise and experience could be valuable for AI transformation, we plan to share our insights on AI and knowledge management—gathered over the past three decades—with management schools and other institutions. We welcome any recommendations and suggestions as we navigate these broader social circles.
AI policy slides into confusion: Time to step back and reflect!
AI has quickly become the latest policy buzzword, and if you’re not at the AI governance ‘party,’ you risk being left behind. This surge in interest stems largely from the fear-mongering of 2023, driven by media and tech gurus with motives ranging from ignorance to simple business interests.
Criticised for their inaction, governments have responded with a flurry of initiatives—launching conferences, papers, research centres, and more. The result? A landscape now overflowing with activities, as illustrated below…
While the illustration above captures the AI policy hype well, it conveys one subliminal and misleading message that AI should be governed by a selected group of experts who understand niche concepts like ‘random seeds.’ AI is an issue that concerns all of society.
Fortunately, the technology behind AI is not as complex as it’s often presented to us. For instance, ‘random seeds’ are analogous to Durev’s sperm donation that resulted in 100 children, to draw an analogy. More seriously, we are demystifying AI using an analogy involving national flags—a familiar sight at the United Nations in Geneva or New York.
A basic understanding of AI technology is becoming a matter of essential social and democratic ‘hygiene’.
This pressing learning need inspired us to develop an AI Apprenticeship pedagogy, briefings, online courses, and games on AI.
AI is about learning: Innovations in education and publishing
Education and training are central to Diplo’s mission. Our new AI Apprenticeships program connects the dots between AI technology and specialized knowledge. Through this program, apprentices develop AI tools customized for specific fields, such as International Geneva or Swiss climate policy, equipping them with essential skills for their future careers while advancing AI in their areas of expertise. Discover more about courses and programmes at Diplo’s AI campus.
We’ve also launched the KaiZen publishing approach, which blends continuous AI-driven updates with annual human-led reflections. This ensures that our publications remain both up-to-date and precise.
AI is about philosophy: Revisiting EspriTech de Geneve
Jovan has revisited the EspriTech de Genève with a series of thought-provoking texts for Geneva Solutions, developing AI applications inspired by philosophical giants like Rousseau, Voltaire, and others.
This autumn, he’ll continue exploring the relevance of other philosophical and spiritual traditions for AI, starting with a webinar with Prof. Subrata K. Mitra on Kautilya and modern governance.
Diplo facilitated engaging and critical discussions such as one triggered by Jovan’s text, “There is No Cyberspace.” We encourage you to join the conversation.
Summer Diary: A Season of Dynamic Engagement
This summer was packed with activities and rapid developments on the digital front. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to:
- 2 July:UN Cybercrime Convention: Will states give in disagreements for the sake of a global common threat? | A webinar discussing the last phase of the negotiations on the UN Cybercrime Convention.
- 9 July:Cables, Novels, and Nobels – An online discussion on the intersection of diplomacy and literature.
- 10 July:Is Switzerland Losing its Leadership in Digital Governance? – A panel at the Geneva Press Club, featuring Jovan Kurbalija and an AI-powered analysis by Diplo.
- 16 July:Summer School on AI and Digital Governance – In situ training for students from Beijing Institute of Technology.
- 19 July:CrowdStrike Outage – A just-in-time analysis of its impact on critical infrastructure.
- 24 July:Cyber Tools for Disaster Management in Africa – A webinar discussion on emerging technologies for disaster recovery.
- 1 August:Swiss National Holiday – Launch of diplomatic mapping of Switzerland and an AI assistant for Swiss digital and foreign strategies.
- 6 August:AI and the Olympics – An analysis of AI’s growing role in shaping the future beyond Paris 2024.
- 7 August:Cybermediation and AI – Keynote by Jovan Kurbalija on the influence of digital technology in conflict resolution, delivered online at an event hosted by South Africa’s DIRCO.
- 19 August:Adoption of UN Cybercrime Convention – An analysis from 19 August on the cybercrime treaty negotiations at the final round
- 24 August:Africa in the AI Era – Jovan Kurbalija’s keynote at the executive course on economic diplomacy in Ghana.
Autumn plans: Courses and events
Here’s a sneak peek at what we have lined up for September and October:
Courses
This course provides an introduction to digital policy concepts as they relate to diplomacy for diplomats from the Organisation of American States. It covers internet technology and policy by focusing on technology and core infrastructure issues in the context of public policy, interdisciplinary coverage of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impacts in the policy and governance space, and current cybersecurity challenges affecting safety and security in cyberspace.No description found.
The course covers persuasion, advocacy, negotiations in humanitarian diplomacy, mobilising public and governmental support, facilitating effective partnerships, and giving tips and suggestions for communicating with different audiences,…
AI Apprenticeship is a learning-by-doing introduction to AI technologies and applications. You’ll explore generative AI (genAI) tools by actively using them and applying your AI knowledge to areas of personal interest such as international relations, digital governance, and tech diplomacy.
Learn how economic diplomacy is connected to other diplomatic branches, trends in economic exchanges, especially in international trade, the purposes of economic sanctions, and much more.
Learn how to assess development needs and cooperation opportunities, select appropriate donors, facilitate partner cooperation, implement programmes and projects, and foster win-win aspects for developed and developing countries.
Learn how science and diplomacy should work together to solve the world’s biggest challenges, climate change and global health. The course is organised in cooperation with the…
The course analyses cybersecurity challenges, and the roles diplomacy, legal instruments, policies and other factors play in addressing cyberthreats, including cybersecurity issues; online crime, warfare, and terrorism; e-commerce; cybersecurity; and…
14 October | Duration: 4 weeks | Online
Master the skills for balancing authority with attentiveness, including asserting your position confidently while remaining respectful, disagreeing without conflict, and staying composed under pressure.
14 October | Duration: 8 weeks | Online
This course provides an interdisciplinary coverage of digital commerce from both digital and trade perspectives. It builds the knowledge and capacity of participants to engage in digital commerce-related negotiations and…
The BWC Advanced Education Course (BWCedu) comprises a five-month advanced education programme under the umbrella of the UNIDIR Academy, in which 25 UNIDIR BWC Fellows will gain in-depth knowledge of the Convention, the diplomatic landscape, and relevant scientific advancements.
Diplo will provide online training and AI assistance.Events
Sorina Teleanu delivered the first autumn briefing focussing on the UN Cybercrime Convention and forthcoming UN Global Digital Compact
Jovan Kurbalija will deliver a Keynote address on ‘AI: Explore the transformative impact of AI on the media industry’ at the EBU Leadership Council in Sofia.
Jovan Kurbalija will deliver a Master Briefing on ‘Demystifying AI for diplomats’ at the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute.
The online webinar will celebrate the 500th issue of DiploNews, reflecting on the evolution of digitalization since the first edition was published in September 1999. Join us to explore the evolution of digitalisation over the last 25 years. Explore more in DiploNews.
Diplo will host its annual welcome session for newly-appointed permanent representatives, focusing on introducing them to the key digital actors, issues, and processes in International Geneva.
Jovan Kurbalija will present a new publication on tech diplomacy, focusing on ways and means of how tech companies interact with governments and diplomatic services.
Diplo will host an interactive session on the impact of AI on pedagogy and diplomatic training, showcasing new learning methods through practical examples from Diplo’s teaching courses. Explore more at the Diplo AI campus.
The session will explore the unique aspects of using digital technology for African elections, featuring insights from leading experts on digitalization and electoral processes across the continent.
Two more courses are in preparation for the autumn of 2024:
- Cybercrime regulation and policy
- Disinformation and content governance
For up-to-date information from Diplo you can subscribe to wide range of newsletters, bookmark our websites www.diplomacy.edu and dig.watch, and follow social media channels.
As we move into a busy autumn, we look forward to your continued engagement and contributions.
Warm regards,
The Diplo Team
Subscribe to Diplo's Blog
