Diplo Blog
Micro and macro philosophy
03 January 2025
How do the Stoic ideas of Marcus Aurelius and Gandhi’s non-violence intersect? Both seek inner peace, yet their philosophies operate on vastly different scales: individual vs societal. Aldo Matteucci examines.
From algorithms to Armageddon: The rise of AI in nuclear decision-making
30 December 2024
Artificial Intelligence, Geopolitics, International relations and diplomacy, Nuclear diplomacy, Types of diplomacy
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and nuclear systems presents profound ethical, strategic, and operational challenges. While AI offers opportunities to enhance decision-making and crisis management, its reliance on machine logic raises concerns about human values, accountability, and the potential for catastrophic consequences in high-stakes scenarios.
AI Apprenticeship: 10 lessons from building and learning alongside AI
28 December 2024
Artificial Intelligence, Capacity development, Cybersecurity, Online education
The AI apprenticeship addresses the gap between AI advancement and its adoption, highlighting the need for practical skills amidst widespread misconceptions and fears surrounding AI. Diplo's innovative program enables participants to develop AI applications, focusing on demystifying AI concepts and fostering critical thinking about its social impacts. With three core learning threads—skill development, knowledge acquisition, and wisdom—apprentices gain hands-on experience through creating chatbots.
How can you check if AI will endanger your job?
27 December 2024
To assess if your job is at risk from AI, consider your reliance on computers, your job's procedural nature, and the degree of text interaction involved. If you answer 'yes' to these, it’s wise to upskill for the AI shift. Specifically in diplomacy, while AI can handle administrative tasks and streamline reporting, the core functions requiring interpersonal skills and negotiations remain human. AI is seen as an enabler, allowing diplomats to focus on strategic engagements and personal connections, thereby enhancing rather than threatening the diplomatic profession.
Unofficial diplomacy: Jean-Yves Ollivier
21 December 2024
What is parallel diplomacy, and how can it resolve conflicts where traditional methods fail? Discover Jean-Yves Ollivier’s role in Africa's peaceful conflict solutions.
From citizen-soldiers to imperialism: The evolution of democratic warfare
13 December 2024
What drives democracies to replace citizen-soldiers with professional armies? Aldo Matteucci examines how wars of choice contribute to imperial ambitions.
Part 8: ‘Maths doesn’t hallucinate: Harnessing AI for governance and diplomacy’
12 December 2024
What are AI ‘hallucinations,’ and why do they matter? Dr Anita Lamprecht breaks down the maths behind this phenomenon and its governance implications.
Early origins of AI in Islamic and Arab thinking traditions
09 December 2024
The upcoming Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh will explore AI's historical connections to Islamic and Arab philosophical traditions. This legacy, rooted in the Islamic Golden Age, emphasized knowledge synthesis and significant advancements in mathematics, statistics, and ethics. Key figures like Al-Khwārizmī laid the groundwork for algorithms and probability, while thinkers such as Avicenna and Al-Fārābī contributed to epistemology and ethics, shaping the responsible use of technology. Their insights into justice, compassion, and privacy remain vital as we navigate the implications of AI in modern society.
The dance of certainty, probability, and mystery: Insights from AI and faith
08 December 2024
In exploring the interplay between certainty, probability, and mystery in AI, the insights from Robert Harris's film Conclave provoke deep reflection. Certainty, while desirable, can mislead, especially in addressing life's complex questions. AI, rooted in probability, embodies this uncertainty, serving as a mirror of human imperfection. Embracing doubt allows for adaptability, while fostering a sense of mystery can inspire creativity and growth. We must navigate AI’s transformative potential with caution, critically engaging with its risks and possibilities, ensuring it enhances rather than dominates our lives. This balance between the known and the unknown is key to understanding AI's role in society.
West vs East: Approaches to fighting corruption
05 December 2024
Can the West's focus on transparency and the East's emphasis on moral accountability provide complementary tools to combat it? Aldo Matteucci investigates.
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