INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

ASSIGNMENT 1

BATCH - 2023
SECTION - 3A
TOPIC
AI and Modern World
Submitted By
Hafiz Muhammad Ahmad Hassan
( 23L-0861 )
Artificial Intelligence and Modern World

Introduction
Basic Intro
Artificial Intelligence (AI), in its broadest sense, is intelligence exhibited by machines,
particularly computer systems. It is a field of research in computer science that develops and
studies methods and software that enable machines to perceive their environment and use
learning and intelligence to take actions that maximize their chances of achieving defined goals.
The traditional goals of AI research include reasoning, knowledge representation, planning,
learning, natural language processing, perception, and support for robotics.

History
AI development began in the 1950s with Alan Turing's concept of thinking machines and the
1956 Dartmouth Conference, which marked AI's formal inception. After a slow period and the
"AI winter" in the 1970s and 80s, interest revived in the 1990s with advances in machine
learning, highlighted by IBM’s Deep Blue defeating Garry Kasparov. The 2010s saw rapid
progress with deep learning, leading to widespread AI applications and significant innovations
Uses
AI can be used in several areas such as research in the medical field or creating innovative
technology, for instance, autonomous vehicles. Artificial intelligence is used in the medical field
to improve the accuracy of programs used for detecting health conditions.

Main Theme
Revolutionizing World
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the modern world by transforming industries,
reshaping global economies, and influencing international relations. From enhancing healthcare
with advanced diagnostic tools to optimizing supply chains and driving innovations in
autonomous vehicles, AI's impact is profound and far-reaching. It introduces new efficiencies
and capabilities, but also presents challenges such as cybersecurity threats, ethical concerns, and
the potential for widening economic disparities. As nations navigate this rapidly evolving
landscape, balancing AI's benefits with responsible governance and international cooperation
will be crucial for fostering a positive global future.
Impacts of AI
AI has both impacts either positive or negative like any other tool. AI accelerates innovation and
efficiency across various sectors, from enhancing healthcare and automating industries to driving
advancements in transportation and communication. However, it also raises concerns about job
displacement, ethical dilemmas, and the potential for deepening economic inequalities and
security risks.
Positive Impacts
Enhanced Global Security
● AI strengthens national security by improving defense mechanisms like autonomous
drones, advanced surveillance, and cyber defense tools.
● AI helps predict and prevent conflicts by analyzing vast amounts of data, including social
media, news, and satellite imagery. Governments can use AI to identify potential risks
and improve crisis response.

Economic Growth
● AI improves efficiency in sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, and finance.
Nations that effectively deploy AI in their economies experience higher growth and
competitiveness.
● AI contributes to new patterns of global trade, creating opportunities for collaboration
between nations in AI research, development, and technology sharing.

Improved Diplomacy and Cooperation

Negative Impacts
Military Rise and AI Arms Race
● The development of AI-powered weapons systems could lead to an arms race, where
countries compete to develop increasingly lethal autonomous weapons. This heightens
the risk of conflict and destabilizes global security.
● Misinterpretations or technical failures in AI systems in military applications could
trigger unintended escalations or wars.

Cybersecurity Threats
While AI strengthens defenses, it also enables more sophisticated cyberattacks. AI can be used to
automate large-scale attacks on critical infrastructures, potentially causing significant harm to
national security.

Global Inequality
● Wealthier nations with better infrastructure and access to AI technologies could further
widen the gap between themselves and developing nations. This creates a digital divide,
increasing global inequality.
● AI-driven automation may affect workers in developing economies, causing
unemployment and social unrest, especially in sectors dependent on manual labor or
repetitive tasks.

Way Forward
The way forward for AI in international relations requires an international and cooperative
approach. Governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector must
collaborate to develop regulatory frameworks, promote fair AI access, and ensure ethical usage.
Balancing innovation with security and equity will be crucial to shaping a world where AI
enhances global peace, prosperity, and justice.

Recommendations
● Countries should agree to limit the use of facial recognition technologies in public spaces
unless they meet strict human rights and transparency standards.
● AI systems used by governments in areas like predictive policing or immigration control
should be subject to independent review to ensure they follow human rights standards.
● Similar to nuclear arms control agreements, autonomous weapon systems should be
limited, with monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance.

Conclusion
AI is reshaping the modern world by transforming global power dynamics, security, and
economic systems. Its potential to drive innovation and cooperation is vast, but it also poses risks
such as inequality, ethical dilemmas, and militarization. A balanced and cooperative global
approach is essential to ensure AI benefits humanity while minimizing its challenges.

References
● "The Age of AI: And Our Human Future" by Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and
Daniel Huttenlocher
● "AI Governance: Opportunities and Challenges" by the World Economic Forum
● "Artificial Intelligence and International Politics" by Valeriano, Brandon, and Jensen,
Benjamin
● Wikipedia
● Chat GPT