Artificial Intelligence: An Evolution or a Revolution for 21st Diplomacy?

Overview

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of how emerging technologies, particularly AI, are reshaping the landscape of international diplomacy. Over the span of five days, it addresses key topics relevant to both seasoned diplomatic practitioners and those with an interest in the field. 

We begin by examining the evolution and impact of AI in diplomacy, delving into its transformative effects and the global competition for AI supremacy. We then shift focus and consider the challenges of regulating AI, discussing ethical considerations and the influential role of tech giants in the shaping of international policies. 

Midweek, we explore the essential skills required of 21st-century diplomats, emphasising the importance of AI literacy and cybersecurity, and analyse the challenges AI presents in diplomatic practice including misinformation and digital surveillance, and their implications for national security and international relations. 

We then look at the possible futures of diplomatic institutions in the digital age, particularly embassies and foreign ministries. We consider their adaptation to technological advancements, including the integration of AI, big data, and cloud computing and to preparing participants for the evolving demands of diplomatic roles in a technologically driven world.  

During your week, you’ll blend theoretical understandings and practical insights, and discuss how diplomats navigate the complex intersection of diplomacy and technology. 

This course is part of the Inspiring Oxford summer school.

Programme details

Seminars meet each weekday morning, with afternoons free for course-related field trips, individual study, or exploring the many places of interest in and around the city.

Monday

AI in Diplomacy: Evolution and Impact 

Today you’ll explore how AI has transformed the art of diplomacy. You’ll consider the geopolitical dynamics of the AI race and learn how they impact international relations. 

Tuesday

Regulation and Ethics in AI: Crafting Global Policies 

Today you’ll look at international AI regulation challenges and the ethical and the geopolitical influence of tech giants. 

Wednesday

Digital Diplomacy and the 21st-Century Diplomat 

Today, we’ll consider some of the digital diplomacy tools employed by diplomats. We’ll also identify essential modern diplomatic skills such as AI literacy and cybersecurity. 

Thursday

Navigating AI Challenges in Diplomatic Practice 

Today you’ll examine the challenges posed by AI to diplomacy, including misinformation and digital surveillance, as well as ways of balancing national interests and corporate power. 

Friday

The Future of Diplomatic Institutions: Embassies and Foreign Ministries 

Today we’ll discuss how embassies and foreign ministries adapt to technological advancements and prepare for future diplomatic needs. 

Fees

Description Costs
Fee option 1 (single en suite accom and meals per person) £2285.00
Fee option 2 (single standard accom and meals per person) £1955.00
Fee option 3 (twin en suite accom and meals per person) £2135.00
Fee option 4 (no accom; incl lunch and dinner per person) £1600.00

Funding

Please note there are no sources of funding (scholarships, bursaries, etc) available for applicants.

Payment

All fees are charged on a per week, per person basis.

Please be aware that all payments made via non-UK credit/debit cards and bank accounts are subject to the exchange rate on the day they are processed.

There may be an additional cost of between £5-£135 if your course has an excursion. Any additional cost will be added to the above fee and will not require a separate payment.

Payment terms

If enrolling online: full payment by credit/debit card at the time of booking.

If submitting an enrolment form: full payment online by credit/debit card or via bank transfer within 30 days of invoice date.

Extended stay fee

Participants staying multiple, consecutive weeks will be charged an additional bed and breakfast fee for the cost of the Saturday night between courses.

Cancellations and refunds

1. Cancellation by you

Participants who wish to cancel must inform the Programme Administrator in writing: by email to inspiringoxford@conted.ox.ac.uk, or by post to Inspiring Oxford, OUDCE, 1 Wellington Square, OXFORD, OX1 2JA, UK.

The following cancellation and refund policy applies in all cases:

  • Cancellation within 14 days of online enrolment / payment of fees – full refund of all fees paid. 

  • Cancellations received up to and including 30 April 2024 – OUDCE will retain an administration fee of £100 per week booked; all other fees paid will be refunded.
  • Cancellations received between 1-31 May 2024 – OUDCE will retain 60% of the fees paid; the remaining 40% of fees paid will be refunded.
  • Cancellations received on and after 1 June 2024 - no refunds will be made under any circumstances.

Where course fees have been paid in currencies other than pounds sterling, refunds will be subject to the exchange rate on the day they are processed.

2. Cancellation by us

Where there is good reason, OUDCE reserves the right to cancel a course by giving you notice in writing at any time before the course is due to start. In these cases, we will endeavour to offer a transfer to another available course if practical and acceptable to you, subject to payment or refund of any difference in course fees. Alternatively, we will refund the course fees that you have already paid. If we cancel a course, our liability is limited to the fees that we have received from you; this means that we will not compensate you for any pre-booked travel costs or any other expenses incurred. The status of this course will be reviewed on 1 May 2024. If it is likely that the course may be cancelled, anyone affected will be notified by email within 7 days; if you have not heard from OUDCE by 8 May 2024, you should assume that your course will be running. You may wish to delay finalising your travel arrangements until after this date.

OUDCE reserves the right to cancel a course at short notice in exceptional circumstances that would prevent the course from being delivered e.g. tutor illness. In these rare instances, and if we are unable to find a replacement tutor, we will notify you as soon as possible and arrange a transfer to another available Inspiring Oxford course. If we cancel a course, our liability is limited to the fees that we have received from you; this means that we will not compensate you for any pre-booked travel costs or any other expenses incurred.

Where course fees have been paid in currencies other than pounds sterling, refunds will be subject to the exchange rate on the day they are processed.

3. Travel insurance

All participants must purchase travel insurance to cover the programme fee, travel costs, and any other expenses incurred. OUDCE cannot be held responsible for any costs you may incur in relation to travel or accommodation bookings as a result of a course cancellation, or if you are unable to attend the course for any other reason. 

Tutor

Dr Jennifer Cassidy

Tutor

Dr Jennifer A. Cassidy is a diplomatic scholar at the University of Oxford, where she lectures on Diplomacy and International Law, Digital Diplomacy, and Gender and Diplomacy. Her PhD (2017) from the University of Oxford focused on the emerging discipline of Digital Diplomacy, with a specific focus on the changing nature of digital diplomatic signalling and online strategic narratives during times of political crisis. Jennifer produced the first edited volume on Gender and Diplomacy: Theory and Practice (Routledge). Prior to teaching, Jennifer served as a diplomatic attaché to Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations (New York), European External Action Service to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Headquarters during the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Jennifer also contributes regularly to media commentary, including the BBC, Sky News, ABC Australia and The Irish Times.

Teaching methods

Participants will be taught in seminar groups of up to 16 people, teaching methods used during this course may include:

  • Short lectures/Presentations
  • Physical handouts
  • Seminars/group discussions

Assessment methods

There are no assessments for this course.

Application

Registration closes on 22 May 2024. Courses can fill up fast so early registration is recommended.

Single accommodation and non-residential places may be booked online by clicking on the “Book now” button in the “Course details” box at the top right-hand side of the course page.

If you would like a twin en suite room, please send us a completed enrolment form that names the other course participant you will be sharing with. Please note these rooms have limited availability.

If you experience any difficulties enrolling online please contact the Programme Administrator at inspiringoxford@conted.ox.ac.uk.

Level and demands

Inspiring Oxford is aimed at non-specialists: no prior knowledge is required, and classes are pitched at an introductory level. The courses are designed for an international audience aged 18 and over.

Accommodation

During your course you will stay in typical Oxford student accommodation at Brasenose College, in the heart of the city in buildings overlooked by the iconic Radcliffe Camera. Please note that bedrooms are modestly-furnished and do not have air-conditioning. 

You can find out more about Brasenose by visiting their website.

The following types of accommodation are available:

  • Single en suite
  • Twin en suite: shared between participants that apply to the programme together
  • Standard single: bathrooms are shared between, on average, four participants
  • a non-residential basis whereby participants can take classes and have lunch and dinner at Brasenose, having arranged their own accommodation elsewhere.

    Non-residential participants are encouraged to attend all aspects of the academic and social programme, and they have equal access to Brasenose as residential participants.

En suite rooms include private bathroom facilities (shower, washbasin and toilet).