The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Diplomacy: Power Asymmetries and Normative Gaps in International Relations
Abstract
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into global diplomacy has introduced profound ethical challenges, particularly in relation to power asymmetries and normative inadequacies within international relations. This study aims to critically examine the ethical implications of AI deployment in diplomatic processes, focusing on the ways in which technologically advanced states influence global norms and institutional behavior. Grounded in critical theory and constructivist perspectives, the research interrogates how AI shapes perceptions of legitimacy, sovereignty, and agency among both dominant and peripheral actors in the international system. A qualitative methodology is employed, utilizing discourse analysis of official policy documents, UN reports, and international agreements, alongside elite interviews with diplomats and AI governance experts. Data interpretation follows a thematic coding approach to identify patterns in ethical concerns and geopolitical influence. The findings reveal a growing ethical vacuum in global AI governance frameworks, where normative standards lag behind rapid technological advancements. This gap disproportionately benefits powerful states and exacerbates digital divides, limiting equitable participation in diplomatic discourse. The study recommends the establishment of an inclusive, multilateral ethical oversight mechanism for AI in diplomacy, incorporating voices from the Global South to promote normative pluralism. Future implications suggest that without deliberate and inclusive governance reforms, AI will entrench existing hierarchies and undermine the legitimacy of international institutions. In conclusion, addressing the ethical challenges of AI in diplomacy is imperative for fostering a more just and balanced international order.
Key Words: Artificial Intelligence, Diplomacy, Ethics, Power Asymmetries, International Relations, Global Governance, Constructivism,
