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Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool in diplomatic circles, promising to reshape how the U.S. Department of State approaches global challenges.

In a recent discussion, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other senior officials outlined their vision for AI’s role in diplomacy, particularly focusing on operational efficiencies, analytical enhancements, and the State Department’s commitment to ethical AI practices.

For USAID staff and implementing partners, these insights are crucial as they indicate how the State Department’s AI strategies may intersect with and complement development-focused goals, especially where U.S. foreign policy priorities align with economic and social progress in lower- and middle-income countries.

AI as a Diplomatic Force Multiplier

The Department of State’s push to integrate AI into diplomacy is driven by a need to enhance operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and support strategic objectives. Matthew Gravis, the Chief Data and AI Officer, emphasized that AI is positioned to help diplomats “navigate complex geopolitical landscapes,” empowering them with tools to better analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions in real time.

As Secretary Blinken described, the State Department’s goal is to leverage AI not only to streamline diplomatic efforts but also to set global standards for its ethical and responsible use, emphasizing values of transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.

This initiative aligns with the State Department’s broader modernization agenda, launched in 2021, which positions technology and innovation at the core of foreign policy and underscores AI’s role as a transformative asset in international relations.

US State Department AI Strategy Core Components

A centerpiece of the State Department’s modernization strategy is the Enterprise AI Strategy, which offers a roadmap for integrating AI to support foreign policy objectives. Blinken highlighted two primary motivations for adopting AI in diplomatic work: freeing up human resources for strategic tasks and improving analytical capabilities.

1. Operational Efficiency: By automating routine tasks, AI enables diplomats to redirect their attention to more substantive matters. Secretary Blinken provided examples of AI applications that reduce manual workloads, such as summarizing and translating diplomatic cables, which traditionally required days or even weeks. By distilling these materials in seconds, AI enhances diplomats’ ability to understand host country dynamics, including key political players and strategic priorities.
2. Enhanced Analytical Capability: AI’s role in analysis and insight generation is equally transformative. Blinken noted the use of AI for media monitoring, a task that involves processing vast amounts of international media content across hundreds of languages. AI tools like North Star help diplomatic teams synthesize this information, providing a clearer picture of the global information landscape almost instantaneously. Such capabilities are essential for diplomats seeking to combat disinformation and understand local perspectives, which are critical for effective public diplomacy

Ethical Considerations with Risks and Challenges

AI’s integration into State Department operations comes with inherent risks, from cybersecurity concerns to potential biases within AI systems. These challenges demand a rigorous framework to ensure AI’s responsible use. Blinken emphasized the Department’s commitment to cybersecurity, noting efforts to mitigate risks of data breaches and unauthorized access.

The Department’s AI chatbot, “State Chat,” exemplifies this focus on security, incorporating monitoring features that detect and respond to inappropriate use or external threats.

Another critical risk area involves AI’s potential to unintentionally perpetuate biases. By ensuring that AI tools and datasets are carefully curated and regularly reviewed, the Department aims to uphold fairness and transparency. The recently established Responsible AI Team works closely with cybersecurity experts to monitor and refine AI applications, ensuring ethical integrity in both operational and policy contexts.

AI Supporting Diplomacy, Policy, Development Goals

One area where the State Department’s AI strategy aligns closely with USAID’s work is in leveraging AI for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Department’s discussions with the United Nations last fall focused on how AI could accelerate progress on stalled SDGs, including in areas like health, economic growth, and education. For instance, in countries where resources are limited, AI’s analytical power can provide a cost-effective way to tackle complex challenges.

For USAID, this alignment is significant. The State Department’s data-driven approach—collecting information on topics ranging from climate resilience to health outbreaks—complements USAID’s focus on fostering sustainable development in resource-constrained environments. Ambassador Eric Garcetti highlighted an AI-powered health initiative in India that uses mobile phones to help diagnose tuberculosis in rural areas, addressing a critical health challenge that affects a quarter of the global TB population.

The State Department is also exploring AI’s potential in human rights monitoring, particularly in regions where human rights violations are underreported or overlooked. For example, AI-driven tools can analyze news articles and social media posts across diverse languages, flagging potential incidents of violence or oppression that may otherwise go unnoticed. This capability can empower diplomats to respond to human rights issues more proactively and offers a potential partnership avenue with USAID for joint initiatives focused on human rights advocacy.

Approaches for AI Training and Innovation

To harness AI’s potential fully, the State Department is investing in AI training for its workforce, ensuring diplomats understand and can leverage AI tools effectively. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) has rolled out AI training initiatives that emphasize safe and responsible AI use, including foundational knowledge on prompts, analysis, and ethical considerations.

The Department has also launched “AI.state,” an internal hub providing access to AI tools, libraries, and training resources. This platform encourages diplomats to experiment with AI, with the goal of identifying and sharing successful use cases across the Department. Such an approach not only fosters a culture of innovation but also builds internal expertise that could benefit USAID, particularly in areas where development and diplomatic goals intersect.

Implications for USAID and Development Partners

For USAID staff, the State Department’s AI strategy holds valuable lessons and opportunities for collaboration:

1. Data-Driven Development: The Department’s AI tools for media monitoring and analysis can inform USAID’s work, particularly in understanding local narratives, identifying misinformation trends, and gauging public sentiment on development initiatives. These insights can enhance program design, helping to align USAID’s activities with community needs and perspectives.
2. Efficient Resource Allocation: Just as the State Department uses AI to streamline its reporting processes, USAID could leverage similar technology to reduce administrative burdens and optimize time management. By automating routine tasks, USAID staff can focus more on strategic decision-making, program oversight, and partnership building.
3. Joint Efforts in Ethical AI: The State Department’s commitment to ethical AI aligns with USAID’s guiding principles. Opportunities exist for collaboration on responsible AI frameworks that ensure transparency and minimize risks. As both agencies navigate the complexities of AI, shared best practices can ensure that U.S. foreign policy and development initiatives reflect a unified ethical stance.
4. Innovation Hubs and Training: USAID can draw inspiration from the State Department’s AI training hub. Establishing similar resources tailored to development professionals would empower USAID staff to apply AI tools thoughtfully in project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

AI Achievements and Future Vision

The meeting included a panel discussion featuring key leaders who were driving innovation and modernization at the State Department. The panel included Undersecretary Zeya, Undersecretary Allen, CIO Dr. Fletcher, and Ambassador Garcetti, and was moderated by Danny Stoyan.

Undersecretary Zeya discussed the application of AI in producing critical reports, such as the International Religious Freedom Reports and the Annual Trafficking in Persons Reports. She highlighted the significant time savings that had been achieved through AI-driven tools like the Data Collection Management Tool (DCT), which reduced research and fact-checking time by one-third.

Undersecretary Allen emphasized the importance of AI in strategic communications and public diplomacy. She introduced the AI for PD resources hub, which provided guidance on using AI platforms, creating prompts, and navigating the procurement of AI services. Allen encouraged all department staff to utilize these resources to enhance their communication efforts.

Dr. Fletcher, the CIO, addressed cybersecurity concerns related to AI adoption. She explained the rigorous testing and security measures that had been implemented for AI tools, including red-teaming exercises and visibility controls. Fletcher emphasized the importance of mandatory training for using AI tools like the chatbot to ensure responsible use.

Ambassador Garcetti shared insights on AI implementation at the U.S. Embassy in India. He discussed the use of AI in language translation, air quality monitoring, and innovative health diagnostics. Garcetti emphasized the need for networking AI efforts across missions and encouraged staff to embrace AI as a transformative tool in diplomacy.

10 AI Action Items

1. Secretary Blinken encouraged staff to experiment with AI tools and platforms available through AI.state.
2. Undersecretary Zeya mentioned implementing the Data Collection Management Tool (DCT) to reduce research and fact-checking time for critical reports.
3. Undersecretary Allen advised all department staff to utilize the AI for PD resources hub for guidance on using AI in communications and public diplomacy.
4. Fletcher emphasized the need for mandatory training for staff using AI tools like the chatbot to ensure responsible use.
5. Ambassador Garcetti suggested creating weekly sessions for staff to explore and discuss AI applications in diplomatic work.
6. Matthew Gravis encouraged staff to check out the North Star tool for media monitoring and analysis.
7. Secretary Blinken urged the integration of AI into Foreign Service Institute (FSI) training, including safety and responsible use.
8. Undersecretary Zeya recommended expanding the use of the DCT tool to other congressional reports beyond the current specific reports.
9. Ambassador Garcetti suggested staff start reading books on AI and technology to better understand its implications for diplomacy.
10. Secretary Blinken emphasized the need to attract and retain talent skilled in AI integration for the Department.

A New Era of Digital Diplomacy and Development

The State Department’s forward-thinking AI strategy represents a significant evolution in how the U.S. approaches diplomacy. By integrating AI into daily operations, the Department not only enhances its own efficacy but also sets a standard for ethical, accountable, and transformative AI use. As USAID looks to the future, there are valuable lessons to be drawn from the State Department’s experiences.

With AI poised to redefine diplomacy and development, collaboration between the State Department and USAID is essential. By working together, these agencies can ensure that AI serves as a force for good—empowering communities, safeguarding human rights, and advancing sustainable development worldwide. This shared vision represents a powerful opportunity to harness technology’s potential to build a more just, resilient, and inclusive global community.