Navigating a Complex World
in the Age of Technologization
***Opinions expressed in a personal capacity and not attributable to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation***
The intricate dynamics of our time, characterized by the advancement of new technogies such as artificial intelligence (AI), invite us to reflect deeply on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Machines are radically transforming the world, as we have always known it. Just like in 1945 - when the Manhattan Project detonated the first nuclear device in the New Mexico desert – the destiny of humanity is no longer the same. There is a world before mass access to generative AI and one after, and they are not the same. Many believe that for the first time in the history of the planet, a form of intelligence more advanced than ours has appeared; we created it, but soon we may no longer be able to govern it. In this changing context, it is critical to understand how these technologies shape our lives and social structures. The complexity of the contemporary world compels us to reconsider our perceptions and remain open to new ideas and perspectives. While AI can positively affect many aspects of human life, it also poses risks that require careful management. The convergence of international relations and artificial intelligence is a crucial factor in humanity's sustainable future as it faces unprecedented challenges. AI is reshaping global dynamics: countries that establish themselves as leaders in the development of new digital technologies will gain enormous competitive advantages in the military, economic, social and political spheres. We need to emphasize the role of international cooperation in managing the challenges and opportunities AI presents. Only by adapting to AI and its advancements will diplomacy, one of the oldest tools of international relations, will remain relevant. Diplomacy should foster international debates and regulatory frameworks to ensure AI benefits humanity without overpowering human decision-making. The centuries-old craft of diplomacy, which has adapted to many challenges over time, can indeed harness AI to improve the dynamics of international relations, provided it remains grounded in human values and ethics, to effectively cope with the complexities of the world of today and tomorrow through a balanced, well-regulated, responsible, and forward-thinking approach.
***Opinions expressed in a personal capacity and not attributable to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation***