Artificial intelligence and diplomacy: A new tool for diplomats?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transitioning from science fiction into our everyday lives. Over the past few years, there has been significant progress in the field of AI, which is increasingly becoming part of our everyday lives – from intelligent digital personal assistants and smart home devices, to autonomous vehicles, smart buildings and medical robots. These advances are expected to have implications in several policy areas (economic, societal, education, etc.), infrastructure and society in general, and governments, the technical community, and private sector actors worldwide are increasingly considering them.

With AI’s entry into all aspects of society, it will inevitably influence diplomacy. The more deeply AI is integrated into society, the larger the effect will be on the context in which diplomats operate. At the same time, AI can also serve as a tool for diplomatic activities.

The event will mainly focus on AI as a tool for diplomats and look at ways in which AI application can support the work of diplomats and foreign policy professionals. We will also address the challenges and pitfalls associated with this.
 

The event is designed as a highly interactive discussion on some of the following topics:

• Setting the scene: What AI-related changes to the environment and the geopolitics in which states operate can we already see?

• Learning to speak: What is the (potential) use of chatbots for consular affairs and public diplomacy and what are its pitfalls?

• Ensuring agreements are kept: Can smart contracts be used in diplomacy and international relations?

• Creating new insights: Can AI act as a smart research assistant for diplomats and foreign policy policy professionals and what kind of insights can we expect?

Panellists:

• Dr Katharina Höne, Senior lecturer and researcher diplomacy and digital politics, DiploFoundation

• Mr Philippe Lorenz, Project Director in AI and Foreign Policy, Stiftung Neue Verantwortung