As conflicts grow more complex, can AI become a game-changer in peacemaking? This panel explores how AI- powered tools can assist in de-escalation, track early warning signs and enhance mediation efforts. From predictive analytics to digital diplomacy, the Panellists will discuss AI’s role in shaping more effective, data-driven peace processes. What are the ethical, practical and strategic implications of integrating AI into conflict resolution, and how can we ensure it serves as a force for stability rather than division?
The Panellists are:
CHAIR
Professor Corneliu Bjola (Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford) is Professor of Digital Diplomacy at the University of Oxford and the Head of the Oxford Digital Diplomacy Research Group. His research focusses on the impact of digital technology on the conduct of diplomacy with a special interest in public diplomacy, international negotiations and methods for countering digital influence operations. His current research examines the emerging role of AI in diplomacy with a particular focus on its capacity to support decision-making, refine negotiation approaches and strengthen crisis response, while also addressing the ethical challenges posed by algorithmic bias in diplomatic communications.
Ms Leena Badri (Chatham House) is the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Fellow at Chatham House within the International Security Programme. Her work focuses on conflict prevention, societal resilience and inclusive security frameworks. At Chatham House alongside the International Security Team she has been working on a project aimed at refining the global conflict prevention toolkit with particular attention to the role of the tech space in shaping conflict dynamics and the emerging opportunities presented by AI.
Professor David Leslie (Alan Turing Institute) is Director of Ethics and Responsible Innovation Research at The Alan Turing Institute and Professor of Ethics, Technology and Society at Queen Mary University of London. He is the author of the UK Government’s official guidance on the responsible design and implementation of AI systems in the public sector and principal co-author of the UK national AI explainability guidance co-published by the Information Commissioner’s Office and the Turing Institute. David serves as Specialist Advisor to the Council of Europe’s Committee on Artificial Intelligence and on UNESCO’s High-Level Expert Group steering the implementation of its Recommendation on AI Ethics.
Mr Richard Makepeace CMG, formerly Consul General in Jerusalem (St Cross College, Oxford) was a British diplomat for thirty five years, twenty of them in the Middle East. He headed the section in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office responsible for the Middle East Peace Process at a more hopeful time, the 1980s. He will speak about his work as Ambassador to the Sudan from 1999-2002 trying to bring about a negotiation between the government and the rebels in the South.
Dr Roxana Radu (Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford) is an Associate Professor of Digital Technologies and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford and a Hugh Price Fellow at Jesus College. Her research focusses on Internet and AI governance and related policymaking.
There will be a drinks reception in the Sybil Dodd Room following the Discussion Panel to which everyone is welcome.
If you'd like to attend, please register here.
