In an increasingly interconnected world, the understanding and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of Global Governance, and the implications of AI on democracy, diplomacy, international security, and international law has become a pivotal competency. Equally important is understanding how to think about the proper regulatory framework needed to ensure alignment between emerging technologies and societal values, and how to build into the governance models protection for traditionally marginalised voices and communities.
The Global Governance Institute (GGI), in collaboration with distinguished professionals, international scholars, and researchers from Europe, the United States, and Japan, invites you to participate in an in-depth Summer School on “AI and Global Governance”. This 5-day programme is organised to provide individuals and organisations with the knowledge, skills, and practical understanding necessary to address the intricate issues surrounding global governance and related developments in the age of AI.
The primary objective of this course is to provide participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex landscape of AI in global governance. It focuses on the challenges and opportunities AI presents for domestic and international regulatory frameworks, international security, law, and diplomacy, as well as the need for guarding against bias and promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equity.
As AI continues to evolve, it is reshaping power dynamics, cooperation, and conflict among and within nations. This transformation is leading to a new era where AI-driven technologies play a pivotal role in decision-making processes. However, the rise of AI also presents new challenges, including ethical dilemmas, gender bias, digital authoritarianism, and the potential for AI-enhanced military conflict. Participants will delve into these issues, examining how AI can both challenge and enhance international relations while promoting inclusivity and diversity.
The course also aims to help participants develop strategies to leverage AI for effective governance. This involves understanding how to harness the power of AI ethically, transparently, and in alignment with global norms and standards. It also involves ensuring that AI systems are designed and used in a way that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and equity.
Participants will engage in hands-on activities and workshops to apply what they have learned and develop their own inclusive AI strategies for global governance. This programme combines theoretical, policy-oriented, and practical lessons from interdisciplinary perspectives including international relations, international law, AI ethics, and governance studies. It emphasizes the importance of addressing bias in AI and promoting diversity in global governance. Participants will learn from leading thinkers and experts about major challenges posed by AI in global governance and how to apply concrete policy solutions.
The Summer School will be delivered in a hybrid format, online or in-person, in Brussels, between 28 May - 1 June 2024, each day consisting of four training sessions, and includes on-site visits at the NATO HQ, the European Parliament, and non-governmental organisations. All learning activities are designed and delivered with a focus on inclusive engagement and continuous interaction among participants and speakers.
The programme provides ample opportunities for exchange, peer learning, and networking, with exclusive insights from officials and practitioners, and a combination of active learning methods that will ultimately deliver an impactful experience.
A. Understand AI’s impact on domestic justice systems, democratic stability, and the potential for the rise of digital authoritarianism.
B. Explore the role of AI in diplomacy and how it informs diplomatic strategies and geopolitical trends.
C. Examine the use of AI in international security, including its applications in surveillance, cyber security, and autonomous weapons systems.
D. Learn about the legal challenges posed by AI in international law, such as issues of liability, criminal accountability, and human rights.
E. Study various regulatory models proposed or implemented by countries and international organisations to govern AI.
F. Evaluate the effectiveness of these models in addressing the ethical, legal, and societal challenges posed by AI.
G. Explore potential strategies for international cooperation in AI governance.
Analytical Skills: Students will learn to analyse the impact of AI on various sectors such as the domestic arena, labour market, international security, diplomacy, higher education, and international law.
Critical Thinking: The course will enhance students’ ability to critically evaluate the ethical, legal, and societal challenges posed by AI.
Strategic Planning: Students will develop strategies to leverage AI for effective governance and learn how to harness the power of AI ethically and sustainably.
Policy Analysis: Through studying various regulatory models, students will gain skills in policy analysis and evaluation.
Interdisciplinary Understanding: The course’s multidisciplinary approach will equip students with a broad understanding of AI’s role in global governance from various perspectives.
Communication Skills: Engaging in discussions and debates during the course will improve students’ ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
Research Skills: Case study analysis and hands-on activities will enhance students’ research skills and their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Introduction to AI: This topic will provide a comprehensive overview of AI, including its history, key concepts, and various applications. Participants will learn about different types of AI, such as machine learning and deep learning, and how they are used in various sectors. They will also explore how AI can both perpetuate and mitigate biases, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in AI development.
Introduction to Global Governance: This topic will introduce participants to the concept of global governance, including its history, principles, and key challenges. Participants will learn about the role of international organizations and civil society, the importance of international law, and the dynamics of global power structures. The discussion will also touch on how AI governance can influence global inequality and the steps that can be taken to ensure equitable access to AI technologies.
AI and Democracy: This topic will cover how AI is being used in predictive policing, crime analysis, and decision-making processes within the justice system. It will also examine the implications of AI on democratic processes, including election forecasting, public opinion analysis, and policy-making. The course will also delve into concerns about digital authoritarianism, exploring how AI can be used to enhance state surveillance and control, to undermine democratic participation and legitimacy.
AI in Diplomacy: Participants will learn about the multifaceted role of AI in diplomacy. They will explore how AI is being used to inform diplomatic strategies, such as predicting the outcomes of negotiations, analyzing patterns in international relations, and providing real-time insights to diplomats. The course will also cover how AI is facilitating negotiations by providing data-driven insights and enabling more efficient communication.
AI in International Security: This topic will examine how AI is being used in various aspects of international security, such as surveillance, cyber security, and autonomous weapons systems. Participants will discuss the ethical and legal implications of these technologies. including the debate over the use of autonomous weapons in warfare. They will also consider the potential for AI to both escalate and mitigate conflict.
AI in International Law and the Law of War: This topic will delve into issues of liability, criminal accountability, and human rights in the context of AI. Among others, we will explore the implications of AI in the context of the law of war. This includes understanding how autonomous weapons systems are governed by international humanitarian law. Participants will also discuss potential strategies for ensuring that the use of AI in conflict situations complies with international legal norms and standards.
AI Regulatory Models: Participants will study a range of models, from stringent regulatory frameworks to more laissez-faire approaches, from industry-based, to the city, state, regional, and global level. They will examine how these models reflect the cultural, political, and economic contexts of their respective countries or organizations. We will also discuss the impact of these regulatory models on gender equality and diversity in the AI industry and, more broadly, across society.
Evaluating AI Regulatory Models: This topic will involve a critical evaluation of different regulatory models for AI governance. Participants will discuss their effectiveness in addressing ethical, legal, and societal challenges posed by AI. In this discussion, we will also consider how these models handle issues related to bias in AI systems and their implications for marginalised communities.
AI Governance Strategies: Finally, participants will explore potential strategies for fostering international cooperation in AI governance. They will discuss how different state and non-state actors can work together to create regional and/or global frameworks for regulating AI. This includes understanding the importance of shared norms and standards, and the role of international organizations in facilitating cooperation.
This course is designed for professionals involved in policymaking, international relations, technology management, and anyone interested in understanding the implications of AI on global governance.
This includes government officials, diplomats, policy advisors, tech entrepreneurs, researchers, and students in relevant fields. It’s also suitable for those who are keen to understand how AI can be leveraged to solve complex problems in global governance.
The course provides a unique opportunity to learn from leading experts from Europe, the United States, and Japan, and to network with like-minded professionals from around the world.
Major Themes
Introduction to AI: This topic will provide a comprehensive overview of AI, including its history, key concepts, and various applications. Participants will learn about different types of AI, such as machine learning and deep learning, and how they are used in various sectors. They will also explore how AI can both perpetuate and mitigate biases, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in AI development.
Introduction to Global Governance: This topic will introduce participants to the concept of global governance, including its history, principles, and key challenges. Participants will learn about the role of international organizations and civil society, the importance of international law, and the dynamics of global power structures. The discussion will also touch on how AI governance can influence global inequality and the steps that can be taken to ensure equitable access to AI technologies.
10:00 – 11:15
Welcome to the Summer School. Introduction to AI and its Global Impact
This session will provide an overview of AI, its history, evolution, and its global impact. Participants will learn about the various applications of AI in different sectors and how it’s shaping the world.
11:30 – 12:45
Introduction to Global Governance
This session will introduce the concept of global governance. It will cover the key principles, actors, and processes, as well as the challenges and opportunities it presents in today’s interconnected world.
14:00 – 15:15
AI and Global Governance Governance
This session will delve into the role of AI in global governance. It will cover topics such as AI in policymaking, international relations, and global security.
15:30 – 16:45
Ethical Implications of AI
This session will explore the ethical implications of AI, including issues related to privacy, bias, and decision-making. It will also discuss the role of regulations in addressing these ethical concerns.
AI Democratic Stability and Diplomacy
AI and Democracy: This topic will cover how AI is being used in predictive policing, crime analysis, and decision-making processes within the justice system. It will also examine the implications of AI on democratic processes, including election forecasting, public opinion analysis, and policymaking. The course will also delve into concerns about digital authoritarianism, exploring how AI can be used to enhance state surveillance and control, to undermine democratic participation and legitimacy.
AI and Diplomacy: Participants will learn about the multifaceted role of AI in diplomacy. They will explore how AI is being used to inform diplomatic strategies, such as predicting the outcomes of negotiations, analysing patterns in international relations, and providing real-time insights to diplomats. The course will also cover how AI is facilitating negotiations by providing data-driven insights and enabling more efficient communication.
10:00 – 11:15
AI in Law Enforcement and Justice System
This session will cover how AI is being used in predictive policing, crime analysis, and decision-making processes within the justice system. Participants will gain an understanding of the current state of AI technologies in these areas and their potential future developments.
11:30 – 12:45
AI and Democratic Processes
This session will examine the implications of AI on democratic processes, including election forecasting, public opinion analysis, and policymaking. The focus will be on the debate over the use of AI in these processes and the potential for AI to both enhance and undermine democratic participation.
14:00 – 15:15
AI in Diplomatic Strategies
This session will explore how AI is being used to inform diplomatic strategies, such as predicting the outcomes of negotiations, analysing patterns in international relations, and providing real-time insights to diplomats. Participants will gain an understanding of the current state of AI technologies in these areas and their potential future developments.
15:30 – 16:45
AI in Diplomatic Negotiations
This session will cover how AI is facilitating negotiations by providing data-driven insights and enabling more efficient communication. The focus will be on the debate over the use of AI in these processes and the potential for AI to both enhance and undermine diplomatic negotiations.
AI in International Security and International Law
AI in International Security: This topic will examine how AI is being used in various aspects of international security, such as surveillance, cyber security, and autonomous weapons systems. Participants will discuss the ethical and legal implications of these technologies. including the debate over the use of autonomous weapons in warfare. They will also consider the potential for AI to both escalate and mitigate conflict.
AI in International Law and the Law of War: This topic will delve into issues of liability, criminal accountability, and human rights in the context of AI. Among others, we will explore the implications of AI in the context of the law of war. This includes understanding how autonomous weapons systems are governed by international humanitarian law. Participants will also discuss potential strategies for ensuring that the use of AI in conflict situations complies with international legal norms and standards.
10:00 – 11:15
AI Applications in International Security
This session will examine how AI is being used in various aspects of international security, such as surveillance, cyber security, and autonomous weapons systems. Participants will gain an understanding of the current state of AI technologies in these areas and their potential future developments.
11:30 – 12:45
Ethical and Legal Implications of AI in International Security
This session will delve into the ethical and legal implications of AI technologies in international security. The focus will be on the debate over the use of autonomous weapons in warfare and the potential for AI to both escalate and mitigate conflict.
14:00 – 15:15
AI and International Law
This session will delve into issues of liability, criminal accountability, and human rights in the context of AI. Participants will gain an understanding of the current state of international law as it applies to AI technologies and their potential future developments.
15:30 – 16:45
AI and the Law of War
This session will explore the implications of AI in the context of the law of war. This includes understanding how autonomous weapons systems are governed by international humanitarian law. The focus will be on the debate over the use of autonomous weapons in warfare and the potential for AI to both escalate and mitigate conflict.
AI Regulatory Models
Assessing AI Regulatory Models: This topic will involve a critical evaluation of different regulatory models for AI governance. Participants will discuss their effectiveness in addressing ethical, legal, and societal challenges posed by AI. In this discussion, we will also consider how these models handle issues related to bias in AI systems and their implications for marginalised communities.
AI Regulatory Models: Participants will study three AI regulatory models: EU, US, and China. They will examine how these models reflect the cultural, political, and economic contexts of their respective countries or organizations. We will also discuss the impact of these regulatory models on gender equality and diversity in the AI industry and, more broadly, across society.
10:00 – 11:15
Evaluating AI Regulatory Models
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of different regulatory models for AI governance. Participants will learn about the key principles, actors, and processes involved in these models. The session will delve into the effectiveness of different AI regulatory models in addressing ethical, legal, and societal challenges posed by AI.
11:30 – 12:45
EU AI Governance
This session will provide an overview of the European Union’s approach to AI governance. It will cover the key principles, actors, and processes involved in the EU’s regulatory model for AI, including its focus on ethical guidelines and human-centric AI.
14:00 – 15:15
US AI Governance
In this session we will delve into the United States’ approach to AI governance. It will explore how the US balances technological innovation with ethical considerations, and the role of different actors such as government agencies, tech companies, and civil society in shaping AI policies.
15:30 – 16:45
China AI Governance
The final session will discuss China’s approach to AI governance. It will cover China’s national strategy for AI development, its emphasis on AI for economic growth and national security, and the societal implications of AI deployment in China.
Future of AI and Global Governance
International Cooperation in AI Governance Participants will explore potential strategies for fostering international cooperation in AI governance. They will delve into how shared norms and standards can be developed and implemented, and the role of international organisations in facilitating cooperation.
Conclusion: Reflecting on AI and Global Governance Participants will contemplate and discuss the knowledge acquired throughout the workshop, including AI’s role in global governance, methods to encourage international collaboration, and the contributions of various actors in AI governance. A guided conversation will allow participants to express their perspectives on the future trajectory of AI and Global Governance.
10:00 – 11:15
Exploring Strategies for Cooperation
In this session, participants will delve into potential strategies for fostering international cooperation in AI governance. They will learn about the importance of shared norms and standards, and the role of international organizations in facilitating cooperation.
11:30 – 12:45
Collaborative Frameworks for AI Governance
The session will focus on how state and non-state actors can work together to create regional and/or global frameworks for regulating AI. Participants will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with such collaboration.
14:00 – 15:15
Implementing Strategies for Cooperation
This session will focus on the practical aspects of implementing the strategies discussed in the previous session. Participants will explore how these strategies can be put into action in real-world scenarios.
15:30 – 16:45
Reflections and Future Directions in AI and Global Governance
In this final session, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the insights gained throughout the workshop and engage in a facilitated discussion to synthesize their learning and share their thoughts on the future directions in AI and Global Governance. They will also discuss potential strategies for implementing the knowledge and insights gained from the workshop in their respective fields.
Prof. Medlir Mema is the Head of Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Global Governance at the Global Governance Institute. He is also Professor of International Relations at the Brigham Young University Idaho in the United States. Previously, he was an Associate Professor of Political Science at Tokyo International University in Japan, Adjunct Faculty at Vesalius College, and a Senior Associate Researcher at the Institute for European Studies - VUB in Brussels, Belgium. Medlir holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the George Washington University, and a MA in European Studies and International Economics from Johns Hopkins University—School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). As co-founder and co-host of the “IR in the Age of AI” podcast, Medlir spends a lot of time, reading, researching, writing, and discussing topics related to the impact of emerging technologies, including AI on global governance and the future of education.
Prof. Justin Bullock is a Non-Resident Senior Fellow in the AI and Global Governance Programme. He is also an Associate Professor Affiliate of Governance at the University of Washington in the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance and a world-renowned scholar in Public Policy, Public Administration, Governance, and Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Bullock is also a Senior Researcher at Convergence Analysis where he leads the research of Project AI Clarity. Dr. Bullock has recently published two books, an experimental work co-authored with ChatGPT titled "Conversations with a Machine Oracle: Exploring Life, Culture, and Knowledge" and a science fiction book titled "Lo Wainwright: The Last Homo Superior."
Prof. Christopher Lamont is Deputy Head of Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Global Governance at the Global Governance Institute (GGI), Professor of International Relations at Tokyo International University, and Visiting Senior Researcher at the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology in Japan. He holds a PhD in Politics from the University of Glasgow, an MSc in International and European Politics from the University of Edinburgh, and a BA in International Studies from the University of Mississippi. He was also a Fulbright fellow at the University of Zagreb and an RCUK postdoctoral fellow at the University of Ulster.
Admissions – Applicants need to fill out the summer school application form. After submitting the form successfully, applicants will receive a confirmation email. We evaluate and accept participants to the programme on a rolling basis. An answer can be expected within maximum one week of submission. For any questions or requests, please get in touch.
Certificate – The Global Governance Institute will award a certificate to all participants who successfully complete the summer programme. This can be achieved if participants attend a minimum of 70% of al sessions, actively engage in all activities and complete the assignments.
Registration Fee AI&GG in Brussels – €1500. The fee includes access to all sessions, learning materials and a 3-month access to the digital learning platform, lunch, coffee and refreshments throughout the winter school, as well as the welcome dinner, graduation ceremony reception, and social activities in Brussels.
Registration Fee AI&GG Online – €1200. The fee includes access to all sessions, learning materials and a 3-month access to the digital learning platform.
Cancellation Policy – Participants can withdraw from the programme, and receive a refund upon written notification as follows: 30 or more days before the start – full refund, 15 to 29 days before the start – 50% refund. No refund will be granted if notification of withdrawal is given fewer than 15 days before the start of the winter school.