In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, Dr. Donald Kilburg, a seasoned expert in foreign affairs, has raised a critical alarm regarding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in diplomacy. Dr. Kilburg comes to ORISE with more than 20 years of private sector experience, the perspective of a US Army veteran and retired professor. He implores the policymakers to move quickly, so that AI can be a powerful tool for human diplomats, rather than their replacement. He cautions that leaving too much to the algorithms would dangerously chip away at the profoundly human practice and fine art of diplomacy.
Dr. Kilburg’s extensive career includes significant roles at the US Department of State, where he served as a Public Affairs Officer in the Bureau of Global Public Affairs. His background in experimental psychology influences how he thinks of AI’s limitations. He thinks AI has a hard time understanding human emotions and cultural context. As the author of AI Use Cases for Diplomats, he explores the many avenues where AI can enhance diplomatic workflows. He cautions against being overly reliant on tech.
The Limits of AI in Diplomacy
Dr. Kilburg identifies the crux of the matter. AI just cannot appreciate the emotional stakes that often prove to be decisive in high-stakes diplomatic negotiations. He highlights scenarios where human sensitivity is crucial, stating that AI lacks the capability to understand “the emotional weight of a grieving mother’s testimony.” This insight underscores a significant limitation: while AI systems can process vast amounts of data, they fall short in recognizing the subtleties essential for effective communication.
While they (AI systems) can draft initial responses to routine diplomatic communications or summarize lengthy policy documents in seconds, they lack the nuanced understanding of diplomatic protocol and cultural sensitivities that experienced diplomats possess,” Dr. Kilburg notes. This disconnect in knowledge and understanding may result in significant miscommunications or rashly-timed responses that risk further escalation of tensions and damage to international relations.
Moreover, Dr. Kilburg warns against an over-reliance on AI, stating, “Over-reliance on AI, in scenarios where human qualities are essential, risks undermining the very objectives of diplomacy.” So instead of replacing human diplomats, AI should be used, he argues, as a supportive tool to augment their work.
A Call for Ethical Frameworks and Training
To navigate the complexities brought about by AI, Dr. Kilburg identifies three critical areas for action: training and development, ethical frameworks, and global cooperation. He’s making the case that diplomats require serious training in technology. They need to learn decision-making ethics informed by—rather than blind to—constantly-evolving technologies.
It will be necessary to implement ethical frameworks. It is particularly imperative when we encounter conundrums arising from deploying AI in diplomatic spaces. Dr. Kilburg wants core values to guide every decision and train every employee. These values need to be strongly rooted in longstanding diplomatic norms and evolve as technology continues to develop. He makes the case that ethics, per se, shouldn’t be just an add on but rather a core principle that can help guide AI integration into diplomacy.
AI can make [diplomacy] more efficient, but you need that human factor, because only humans possess the empathy, creativity and intuition that makes negotiations effective, he stresses. This quote sums up his dream of a future where technology augments human potential instead of taking it away.
The Future of Diplomacy
As Dr. Kilburg reflects on the trajectory of diplomacy in an age increasingly influenced by algorithms, he poses a critical question: “Will tomorrow’s diplomats represent nations—or algorithms?” This inquiry challenges policymakers and diplomats alike to consider the implications of allowing technology to dictate diplomatic practices and decisions.
AI should simply be a way to consume information and deeply analyze it, he stresses. It cannot replicate the deep wisdom that comes from firsthand experience and immersion in a culture. The future of diplomacy is to ensure that as we embrace the positive possibilities of artificial intelligence we do not overlook the indispensable human element.
Dr. Kilburg’s work, published with a DOI (10.1201/9781003612308), serves as a foundation for ongoing discussions about the intersection of technology and international relations. His insights aim to inspire policymakers to strike a balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and preserving the human touch that defines effective diplomacy.