Artificial Intelligence and International Relations

Question C: Artificial Intelligence and International Relations
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance and become more prevalent, it will likely significantly impact international relations in the coming years. AI can change how countries interact with one another and alter the global balance of power. To understand these potential effects, it is important to consider how AI is likely to be used in different areas of international relations, including military strategy, economic competitiveness, the global balance of power, and possible ethical implications.
One of the most significant impacts of AI on international relations is likely to be in the area of military strategy. Countries with advanced AI systems will likely have an advantage in warfare, as the technology can be used for tasks such as target identification, and decision-making. According to Kim (2014), the development and proliferation of advanced military technologies such as AI can create asymmetric strategic problems that can be difficult to address through traditional non-proliferation approaches. This could lead to an arms race as nations seek to develop and acquire advanced AI systems for military use, increasing the likelihood of conflict and undermining global security. Developing and deploying AI-powered autonomous weapons systems could raise ethical concerns about using force and the potential for unintended consequences. In this context, the proliferation of AI capabilities in the military could exacerbate global strategic instability and threaten the global non-proliferation regime.
Another way in which AI is likely to affect international relations is through its potential to change the global economic landscape. Brunnermeier et al. (2018) assert that "AI has the potential to lead to increased productivity and economic growth, but it could also result in job displacement and increased inequality" (p.3). Countries that can take advantage of AI's economic benefits will likely see an increase in their power and influence, while those that fall behind could see their relative position decline. Brunnermeier et al. (2018) posit that competition between countries over economic development and AI capabilities might lead to a Bismarckian-style economic competition, where countries may use protectionist measures to limit the advantages of other countries and to promote their domestic industries. The authors state that "this kind of economic competition could result in conflicts between countries over trade and technology transfer, potentially hindering global economic growth" (Brunnermeier et al., 2018).
Similarly, the article by Weiss (2022) supports the point that AI has the potential to change the global economic landscape and increase competition between countries. As Weiss (2022) discusses in the article, the competition between countries over economic development and technological capabilities can lead to a zero-sum mentality and a perception of threat. Consequently, this can shape foreign policy decisions in trade, technology, and security. As AI becomes more prevalent, it will become an increasingly important economic driver. This development will likely increase competition between countries, particularly the US and China. As the art...