AI
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GEOPOLITICS

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in diplomacy is becoming increasingly popular as a tool to help countries navigate the complexities of today’s world, and, in perspective, gaining competitive advantages in shaping the future of international relations. While most public discussion about AI focuses on productivity, jobs and developments in the medical or engineering fields, the rush to dominate the technology is effectively becoming a major geopolitical concern. AI is already impacting on warfare and deterrence, and the tremendous amount of processing power necessary to stay ahead of the game is driving the foreign policy options of major international stakeholders.

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However, there are a number of challenges associated with using AI in the field of international relations, including the need for regulations to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically, and to avoid malign or unintended consequences. Additionally, AI systems are often trained on data sets that may contain biases, which can lead to decisions that are not based on objective facts, that are not in the best interests of the countries involved, or that could have a negative impact on international relations.

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What actions could governments and international organizations take to address those delicate issues?

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The need for developing regulations and oversighting mechanisms to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically is becoming more and more urgent. These regulations should include measures to make certain that AI systems are trained on unbiased data sets, that decisions made by AI systems are transparent and accountable, and that AI systems are not used for malicious purposes. Additionally, governments and international organizations should work together to develop ethical guidelines for the use of AI in diplomacy, including measures to ensure that AI is used in a way that respects fundamental Human Rights and International Law, and, ultimately, that AI is used to promote peace and stability. How can those ambitious goals be achieved in the post-globalized, disordered world, characterized by the shift of the balance of power between nations and the rise of new “empires”?

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One of the key elements of the AI approach is the "wide-enough" scope of the base of data, and Europe is a very well and strongly regulated area, but, at the same time, it is fragmented in terms of national interests and data protections: can (and how) Europe be a player in a global framework that seems to be more and more characterized by a bi-polar competition (USA and China/Russia)? may Italy and Luxembourg become European convergence points for action on this crucial issues?

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Please note: the views and opinions expressed by the Conference participants belong solely to them, and are not attributable to the Italian Embassy in Luxembourg or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy.