The future of AI x international diplomacy: AI information retrieval
This is the first in a series of five key trends that will impact international diplomacy.
The Frontier Tech Hub has been exploring how fast-paced technology change, in particular, artificial intelligence (AI), might alter the face of international diplomacy over the next ten years.
We’ve highlighted 5 key trends related to the likely growing influence of AI during this period on our lives and on the work of diplomats worldwide as it grows in sophistication and maturity. We’ll be sharing these one by one before publishing our full report.
Whilst the themes contained within these trends are probable, their magnitude and implications are far from certain. We’ve done some horizon scanning and driver mapping to imagine future scenarios that reflect this technological change. Working with imagined scenarios can help teams understand and evaluate the implications of fast-paced technological change and to anticipate, strategise and, as best as they can future-proof themselves to those changes.
Here’s the first of our five trends.
AI retrieval and insight generation change how humans relate to diplomatic knowledge and the fundamental nature of diplomatic roles
Today, diplomatic staff need to stay up to date with changing news and policy developments, as well as seek information related to states’ positions and the use of specific language. These activities dominate time and can often feel like information overload. AI-powered tools have the potential to transform diplomatic information retrieval by sifting through vast amounts of unstructured databases containing internal documents, diplomatic resolutions and global media. This could completely change the nature of roles within diplomatic missions, where staff could spend significantly less time on finding, distilling and analysing information.
Key drivers to look out for:
The degree to which AI-driven knowledge retrieval systems can secure sensitive diplomatic information and protect against potential breaches and misuse.
The ability of AI systems to accurately interpret nuanced diplomatic language and context-specific terminology
The extent of human oversight required to ensure the reliability and context-awareness of AI-driven insights, particularly in high-stakes or crisis situations.
The level of adherence to ethical standards and protocols to mitigate biases within AI tools, ensuring objective and fair information in diplomatic decision-making.
The consistency of international AI governance frameworks and their influence on collaboration and trust among missions using AI for knowledge retrieval.
The flexibility of AI systems to be scalable and adaptable to the unique informational and operational requirements of different diplomatic missions, while retaining universal applicability.
Considerations for government:
Ensure the protection of sensitive diplomatic information if deciding to implement knowledge retrieval and advisory systems.
Understand the extent to which AI systems understand the nuances of diplomatic norms and language, ranging from the use of specific terms to historical decision making.
Ensure responsible usage of AI is to be more integrated in diplomatic work, particularly considering the ethical implications of using AI technologies and the algorithms that underpin them.
