AI has the potential to strengthen international relations when used thoughtfully by diplomats, according to Dr. Donald Kilburg, a former U.S. Department of State official and retired professor with over two decades of experience in foreign affairs. While acknowledging that AI can streamline routine diplomatic tasks—such as drafting initial responses, summarizing lengthy policy documents, or analyzing vast amounts of data—Kilburg warns that the technology cannot replace the human qualities essential to successful diplomacy. He emphasizes that AI lacks empathy, intuition, and deep cultural understanding—elements critical in high-stakes negotiations and sensitive international interactions. For example, an algorithm may process a statement from a grieving mother during peace talks, but it cannot grasp the emotional weight behind her words. Without human judgment, such oversights could lead to miscommunication, escalate tensions, or undermine trust between nations. In his book, "AI Use Cases for Diplomats," Kilburg outlines how AI can be a powerful tool when properly integrated into diplomatic work. It can enhance capabilities in areas like cybersecurity, deepfake detection, and real-time language translation, helping diplomats respond faster and more effectively to global challenges. AI can also support crisis management by identifying emerging threats or analyzing public sentiment across social media platforms. However, he stresses that the real danger lies not in using AI, but in over-relying on it. If algorithms are trained primarily on Western diplomatic norms, they risk reinforcing cultural biases and failing to account for diverse global perspectives. This could distort diplomacy and weaken international cooperation. To address these challenges, Kilburg calls for three key actions. First, diplomatic institutions must invest in comprehensive AI training that combines technical skills with ethical awareness. Second, clear ethical frameworks should be established to guide AI use, ensuring decisions remain aligned with core diplomatic values like transparency, sovereignty, and respect for human rights. Third, nations must work together to promote equitable access to AI tools and ensure their ethical deployment on a global scale. He believes that the future of diplomacy should not be about replacing human diplomats with algorithms, but about empowering diplomats with AI to achieve greater impact. The ultimate question, he says, is whether tomorrow’s diplomats will represent nations or machines. The answer depends on how wisely the world chooses to use this transformative technology.