International Studies Journal (ISJ)

International Studies Journal (ISJ)

The Position of Artificial Intelligence in International Public Diplomacy

Document Type : Original Independent Original Article

Authors
Younes Masoudian 1
Ghasem Torabi 2
1 International Relations Dep., Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
2 Professor at International Relations Dep., Hamadan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamadan, Iran.
10.22034/isj.2025.398581.2016
Abstract
With the advancement of technology in the contemporary era and the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), most disciplines have leveraged this scientific leap as a driving force for further progress. Political science and international relations are no exception, and they must inevitably adapt to using such technologies. AI can assist diplomats in decision-making by providing them with solutions, thereby fostering progress in their decision-making. This research explores how AI can assist diplomats in international public diplomacy. It aims to develop a strategy that can help optimally utilize this technology in international and even domestic diplomacy. A descriptive-analytical approach was employed, and the research methodology involved library- and internet-based search. The theoretical framework was grounded in AI, as it enhances the precision of the research process. The current study concludes that AI can both serve humanity and pose a threat to it in the realms of public and international diplomacy, depending on its application and the attitude adopted toward it.

Highlights

Introduction

In today's complex and dynamic global landscape, public diplomacy has emerged as a crucial tool for states and non-state actors to expand their influence on the international stage and strengthen international relations. Alongside this, new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), are changing the landscape of public diplomacy. Drawing on complex algorithms and big data analytics, AI can assist states and institutions in adopting more precise and effective decisions. This is particularly significant in behavioral analysis and forecasting, crisis management, public relations enhancement, and media interactions, among others.

AI can be employed in public diplomacy in several ways. A primary application of AI is the analysis of big data. AI makes it easier for states to obtain more accurate information about the attitudes and behaviors of people in other countries and use this data to design their foreign and diplomatic policies. These tools also enable diplomats to develop their public relations more purposefully and precisely.

Public diplomacy attempts to shape foreign public opinion through media, social networks, education, and other communication channels. It facilitates the identification and analysis patterns in target audience behaviors, predicting reactions, and developing effective diplomatic campaigns. For instance, AI systems can analyze user sentiments on social media, enabling states to tailor their diplomatic campaigns to the needs and preferences of their target audiences.

This paper examines the role of AI in international public diplomacy and analyzes its implications for diplomatic processes and international relations. It also investigates AI-associated challenges and opportunities in international diplomacy, offering solutions to enhance its application.

 

Methodology

This article employed a descriptive-analytical approach and a library- and internet-based research methodology.

 

Findings

As a primary tool in international relations, public diplomacy has traditionally entailed means such as cultural diplomacy, international media, cultural exchange programs, and similar initiatives. The emergence of advanced technologies and digital tools in recent decades has introduced a new era of public diplomacy, where AI plays an increasingly important role. The key findings of this study are discussed below.

 

  1. AI and Data Analytics

AI can analyze vast and complex datasets generated in the digital age. These data include social media, global surveys, and political, economic, and cultural information. Such analyses enable states and diplomatic institutions to quickly identify global trends, public interests, and concerns, and transitions in public opinion.

AI has significantly influenced international public diplomacy by transforming it through the use of analytical and predictive tools, enhancing digital relations, and enabling data-driven decision-making (Kharabsheh, 2020:114). This evolution should include addressing ethical and political challenges to prevent the misuse of this technology in the diplomatic arena and to ensure effective and fair guidance of global trends. Particularly in public diplomacy, these analyses can be employed to design appropriate communication strategies and foster stronger relations with different states and groups.

  1. AI and Digital Diplomacy

Digital diplomacy involves using digital tools to strengthen international relations. Such tools entail social media platforms, online media, and instant messaging services. AI can contribute significantly to these domains. Specifically, AI can contribute to message management, refine digital interactions, and facilitate public opinion monitoring through intelligent tools (Türegün, 2022: 50). AI can expand the reach of public diplomacy on a global scale as it has the capacity to analyze generated content and adapt it to diverse languages and cultures.

  1. AI and Forecasting Global Trends

A major application of AI in public diplomacy is its ability to predict global trends. Analyzing global data through AI algorithms, for instance, can help predict different nations' political, economic, social, and cultural situations. These predictions can help policymakers make more informed decisions and proactively respond to crises and threats (McConnell, 2019: 39).

  1. Ethical and Political Challenges of Using AI

Despite AI's countless benefits to public diplomacy, it also poses significant ethical and political challenges. Concerns such as privacy violations, data misuse, and the potential for political manipulation through AI power are prominent. These challenges can influence public trust in diplomatic efforts and international relations. Moreover, transparency in AI-driven decision-making processes and warranting that these decisions are fair and equitable are critical issues (Seib, 2009:1).

  1. AI and Improvement of Intercultural Relations

AI can help establish more effective communication between different cultures and societies. Tools such as automatic translation and emotion recognition can help facilitate cultural and linguistic communication, thereby reducing misunderstandings in diplomatic interactions (Wilson, 2017:1). This enables states to convey their diplomatic messages more effectively and in a culturally appropriate manner.

  1. AI in Decision-Making and Policy-Making

States can employ AI to analyze complex datasets and make more informed policy decisions. This process can reduce errors in decision-making and empower policymakers to base their decisions on accurate and current evidence. On a global scale, this enables states to respond quickly to global changes, allowing them to adopt more effective diplomatic strategies (Hocking, 2019: 185).

 

Conclusion

AI has dramatically influenced international public diplomacy. Indeed, it has revolutionized it through analytical and predictive tools, enhanced digital relations, and decision-making based on big data. However, this development must consider ethical and political challenges to prevent the misuse of this technology in the diplomatic arena and ensure that global trends are guided effectively and fairly.

Eventually, as a new tool, AI can have positive impacts on international public diplomacy. However, it must be employed judiciously to control potential security and ethical issues. The appropriate use of AI can help states improve international relations, predict behaviors, and enhance diplomatic strategies. However, states should strive to employ these technologies responsibly, giving due consideration to ethical and security concerns.

Keywords
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
International Diplomacy
Public Diplomacy
New Technologies
Cyber Diplomacy
Security

Subjects

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