Diplo Blog
Part 5: Is AI really that simple?
06 November 2024
How do AI’s cognitive mechanisms actually work? Just like human cognition, AI relies on schemas to process and interpret data – yet it lacks the depth and context that human understanding brings. Dr Anita Lamprecht explores.
Valencia flooding: Why did one of the leading smart cities fail on basic safety?
05 November 2024
Valencia, recognised as advanced smart city, failed to effectively warn residents of imminent floods, resulting in devastating consequences. Despite advanced technology, the local authorities sent emergency alerts eight hours late, after severe rainfall caused substantial destruction and over 200 fatalities in the region. This incident underscores a critical flaw: while technology can enhance safety, it cannot replace the essential human elements of effective governance and timely communication. The Valencia flooding serves as a crucial reminder that even in technologically advanced environments, basic public safety measures must not be neglected.
Just-in-time publication: Unpacking Global Digital Compact
04 November 2024
Artificial Intelligence, Data governance, Digital diplomacy, Internet governance and digital policy
On November 8, Sorina Teleanu will launch her book, "Unpacking Global Digital Compact," a crucial resource for understanding the newly adopted Global Digital Compact (GDC). Published shortly after the GDC's approval at the UN Summit, it offers in-depth analysis of its negotiations, clarity on complex language, and insights into broader digital governance. The book emphasizes public interest and aims to bridge gaps in digital policy discussions, particularly for underrepresented nations.
Part 4: Demystifying AI
29 October 2024
Cognitive proximity is key to human-centred AI. Discover how AI can be aligned with human intuition and values, allowing for more harmonious human–AI collaboration. Dr Anita Lamprecht explains.
Are we copilots or just passengers on ‘AI flights’?
28 October 2024
In the age of AI, understanding its workings is essential for us to shift from being passive passengers to active copilots. While many view AI as a complex tool shrouded in mystery, basic knowledge of its foundational concepts—patterns, probability, hardware, data, and algorithms—can empower us. Recognizing the influence of biases in AI and advocating for ethical practices and diversity in its development are crucial steps. By engaging in discussions around AI's governance, we can navigate our AI-driven reality, ensuring that technology serves the common good rather than merely accepting its outcomes.
Part 3: Crafting AI – Building chatbots
24 October 2024
What are the key steps in building chatbots for diplomacy and governance? Dr Anita Lamprecht writes about the essential tools to craft effective AI solutions tailored for diplomatic contexts.
How can the UN ensure the impartiality of its AI platforms?
24 October 2024
As the UN celebrates its 79th birthday on October 24, it grapples with a mix of familiar and novel challenges. From financial constraints to political blockage in the Security Council, these issues have always been a test for the organisation. Now, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) poses a new and potentially profound threat, jeopardising […]
251 shades of diplomacy: Inflated terminology and deflated respect for diplomacy
21 October 2024
The book "231 Shades of Diplomacy" catalogs an extensive array of diplomatic types, revealing a significant expansion in terminology, particularly in the digital age. While phrases like "cyber diplomacy" and "Facebook diplomacy" illustrate this evolution, the respect for diplomacy itself appears to be diminishing. Despite its growing prevalence in discourse, the concept of diplomacy often fails to receive the acknowledgment it deserves, overshadowed by military power and simplistic national narratives. The author advocates for a reevaluation of diplomacy's role and the courage inherent in its practice, essential for fostering societal solutions and recognizing the importance of compromise.
How to train diplomats for the AI era?
18 October 2024
AI is transforming diplomacy, necessitating the evolution of training methods for diplomats. To address the challenges posed by AI, diplomatic training should integrate both traditional skills and modern pedagogies that appeal to younger generations. Diplo's AI Campus exemplifies this approach, offering programs such as master briefings on AI concepts, hands-on AI apprenticeships, simulation exercises, blended learning, and innovative techniques like walking courses. These initiatives ensure that diplomats acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to AI, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in the evolving landscape of international politics.
What are diplomatic competencies for the AI era?
18 October 2024
Diplomats must develop core competencies to thrive in the AI era, combining traditional skills like empathy and communication with new technological understanding. Essential talents include curiosity and adaptability, while knowledge of AI's workings, data ethics, and safety is crucial for informed decision-making. Diplomats should also learn new skills, such as data analysis and effective AI prompt creation, enhancing their ability to engage and solve problems. As AI automates repetitive tasks, the focus will shift to fostering human connections, making these competencies increasingly vital for successful diplomacy in a technology-driven landscape.
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