How AI can build bridges between nations, if diplomats use it wisely

AI is already changing the way many of us are working, but in the delicate art of diplomatic relations between nations, a former diplomat warned his colleagues to pay attention to the use of the tool.

Dr. Donald Kilburg, who was a member of the US State Department, said technology is already shaping work for the embassy officials whose jobs are to protect the interests of their country abroad.

But the veteran of the American army and the retired professor warns that algorithms cannot “read the room” and cannot reproduce “the empathy, intuition and deep cultural understanding” of human diplomats.

He says: “AI can rationalize diplomacy, but only humans provide empathy and intuition that make negotiations succeed. Used judiciously, AI can help diplomats get ahead and build stronger bridges between nations.”

The technology must be carefully monitored, otherwise AI could “degenerate tensions” or miss “crucial cultural nuances” in sensitive situations, he adds.

His book “The cases of use of AI for diplomats” warns that the fundamental concepts of diplomacy and sovereignty are disputed by the rise of AI.

As such, the author – who has spent more than 20 years in foreign affairs – goes beyond political decision -makers to act now to ensure that AI does not replace human diplomacy but rather amplifies “its highest aspirations”.

“Although they (IA systems) can write initial responses to routine diplomatic communications or summarize long political documents in seconds, they do not have nuanced understanding of the diplomatic protocol and the cultural sensitivities that have experienced diplomats,” explains Dr Kilburg, who was a public affairs manager at the Global Public Affairs Office.

“Excessive dependence on AI, in scenarios where human qualities are essential, the risks undermining the very objectives of diplomacy.

“It is therefore essential for embassies and diplomatic missions to establish clear limits for the use of AI. This would guarantee that technology serves as a complement, rather than replacing human expertise.”

“Cases of use of AI for diplomats” is a practical field manual for diplomats and decision -makers, showing how to exploit AI to strengthen diplomacy while keeping a human judgment at the center. It covers all aspects of the use of AI in diplomacy, including security and consular affairs.

The author describes diplomacy as “building bridges between nations by dialogue and negotiation” and that the AI ​​reshaped the land on which the states operate in the era of Tiktok and Twitter.

But it is optimistic that technology has a “transformer” potential, from the sharpening of negotiation strategies to unprecedented global collaboration. It can combat cyber attacks, detect deep heads and overcome other modern challenges by providing solutions that go beyond traditional diplomatic approaches.

He explains: “The genius came out of the bottle, the diplomats cannot ignore AI. The real challenge is to stick to it now and learn to use it wisely.”

However, the book indicates that the problem facing modern diplomats is not only learning to effectively use AI, but when it is “not” to use technology. This is particularly a problem if algorithms are trained on Western diplomatic traditions, explains the author.

The AI ​​can process large amounts of data, but Dr Kilburg says that he cannot grasp, for example, “the emotional weight of a mourning mother” in peace negotiations. As such, the author identifies three areas of action – training and development, ethical executives and global cooperation.

He recommends that diplomatic institutions such as embassies invest in AI training programs that balance technical skills with ethical conscience. The fundamental values ​​to follow in the event of ethical dilemmas must be based on diplomatic principles but also evolve with technology, adds Dr Kilburg, who has a diploma in experimental psychology.

As for global cooperation, he writes that climate change and other urgent problems mean coordinated global action is necessary. The AI ​​can allow it, but only if the nations work together “to ensure equal access and an ethical deployment”.

As AI and technology are part of daily life, Dr Kilburg says that the essential question faced by those involved in the art of the Statecraft is: “Will the diplomats of tomorrow represent nations – or algorithms?”