Amir Mojtahedi – Foreign Policy Researcher
Today, the importance of AI is such that Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in a speech that whoever controls AI will control the world. Thus, it can be said that digital technologies and AI hold the same significance in international relations as nuclear technologies did in the 19th and 20th centuries. Accordingly, many countries, especially the U.S. and China, are taking strategic steps at the intersection of AI and diplomacy.

In November 2023, the U.S. State Department’s first AI strategy was signed by Antony Blinken. This document outlines four main objectives for U.S. diplomatic efforts: leveraging secure AI infrastructure, fostering a culture that embraces AI technology, ensuring responsible AI use, and being open to innovation. On the other hand, China, with its Next-Generation AI Development Plan drafted in 2017, is taking national steps to become a global AI hub by 2030. The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that it will use AI to enhance its work in diplomatic analysis and decision-making.

Turkey, through its National AI Strategy 2021-2025, introduced by the Presidential Digital Transformation Office in 2021, has declared that it does not intend to fall behind in technological-political competition. Thus, it has assigned critical tasks to its Foreign Ministry, the most important of which is implementing mechanisms to attract AI talent and bring them to Turkey.

In Romania, an AI robot named “ION” has been appointed as an advisor to the Prime Minister. This AI-based advisor was developed by researchers to quickly analyze the opinions of Romanian citizens on key issues and policies. Denmark has appointed Marie Engberg Meldgaard as its Tech Ambassador, responsible for representing the Danish government in the global tech industry and international governance forums on emerging technologies, as well as promoting Denmark’s foreign and security policy priorities.

The European Union is also opening a new office in San Francisco as a global hub for digital technology and innovation. This office will strengthen EU-U.S. cooperation in digital diplomacy and enhance the EU’s capacity to engage with key public and private stakeholders in the digital technology sector.

All these examples demonstrate the growing trend of AI integration into governmental and international functions. AI’s role in weapons development—such as aircraft, drones, military robots, and missiles—has also transformed military affairs. Ukraine’s battlefield successes against Russia have been attributed to its innovative use of new AI technologies.

Alongside using AI for political and military competition, many countries are developing AI-based tools to optimize diplomatic and consular missions. A prime example is the visa issuance process, which has become so automated in recent years that it allows consular officers to save significant time previously spent analyzing thousands of applications, enabling them to focus on more critical matters.

Currently, AI is actively used by Schengen member states to control Europe’s borders, not only for processing biometric data but also for emotion detection and assessment. For instance, Germany uses AI in refugee crisis management, integrating it to analyze data from refugee-related organizations, intelligence reports, and social media.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry has also taken an interesting initiative by introducing an AI-powered system called “Sakura” in 2019. This chatbot assists Japanese citizens abroad with consular services by answering questions and providing vital information. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry has established an “AI Diplomacy” division to play a key role in formulating and advancing the country’s AI diplomatic strategy. Its key objectives include strengthening bilateral AI partnerships with major allies like the U.S. and actively participating in multilateral AI discussions at the UN, G20, G7, and OECD.

Despite its advantages, AI’s use in diplomacy and international relations also brings ethical and regulatory challenges. Ethical concerns include a lack of transparency in decision-making and potential algorithmic biases. Additionally, AI systems face significant cybersecurity risks. On regulatory challenges, while efforts exist to establish international standards for AI use, no unified global framework currently governs its diplomatic implementation.

In conclusion, despite challenges, AI represents a revolution in 21st-century international relations and diplomacy. While AI will not replace diplomacy, it will redefine it, urging countries to reconsider their international relations and foreign policy priorities. Since diplomacy is a unique channel for peaceful conflict resolution and promoting international peace and cooperation, it is essential for foreign ministries, intergovernmental institutions, universities, and research centers to provide professional tools to society, enabling adaptation to new global dynamics. In this regard, preparedness to face challenges and opportunities is crucial.