The evolution of diplomacy has consistently been shaped by organizational structures, information flows, and technological advancements. Artificial intelligence (AI) and flat, network-focused organizational frameworks are two transformative forces that are reshaping diplomatic practices in the twenty-first century. A more decentralized, data-driven approach centered on network coordination, real-time analysis, and multi-stakeholder collaboration is replacing hierarchical reporting and memo writing as the defining features of diplomacy.
This global shift aligns with Pakistan’s National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025, which has been approved. The policy seeks to democratize access to AI, train one million professionals, initiate 50,000 civic projects, and develop 1,000 locally produced AI products within five years (Dawn, 2025). Besides positioning Pakistan in the global AI race, this strategic approach necessitates a fundamental change in the role of its diplomats, who now must manage ecosystem orchestration, negotiation, and representation in an AI-driven world.
This article explores how diplomatic practices are evolving due to artificial intelligence and flat organizational structures. It examines Pakistan’s AI policy as a case study and situates these changes within the broader academic discussion. The study argues that diplomats—both internationally and in Pakistan—are becoming socio-technical conductors responsible for managing networks, promoting the responsible use of AI, and maintaining credibility in a rapidly changing world order.
Digital and Networked Diplomacy
Diplomacy has traditionally been viewed as a hierarchical system focused on command structures and secrecy, centered around embassies and ministries (Watson, 1982). However, globalization and advancements in digital technologies have altered the nature of diplomatic relations. While Hocking and Melissen (2015) argue that “digital diplomacy” has shifted the focus from state-to-state interactions to state-to-network engagements, Bjola and Holmes (2015) demonstrate how digital platforms have revolutionized diplomatic communication.
Researchers have also observed that network structures often outperform traditional hierarchical systems in knowledge-intensive environments. The term “network forms of organization” was first introduced by Powell (1990), and Provan and Kenis (2008) categorized governance models into three types: shared, lead-organization, and network administrative organizations (NAOs). These concepts were further developed in foreign policy by Slaughter (2017), who contrasted the adaptable “web” of network-based problem-solving with the rigid “chessboard” of power politics.
Read More: How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Future of Global Diplomacy
AI and Diplomacy
According to the DiploFoundation, artificial intelligence (AI) has three primary functions in diplomacy: (i) as a practice tool for tasks like monitoring, translation, and analysis; (ii) as a topic of discussion, with an emphasis on AI governance and standards; and (iii) as a driver of change in information ecosystems. International guidelines for AI regulation have been established by the European Union’s AI Act of 2024.
By supporting human decision-making with automated systems that categorize, summarize, and forecast, artificial intelligence is transforming the fundamentals of diplomacy. According to Puranam (2018), organizations must reorganize decision-making authority, task distribution, and interfaces when implementing new technologies. This is also true of diplomacy, which is a system of interrelated organizations.
AI and the Evolution of Diplomatic Practice
By continuously monitoring multilingual media, policy adjustments, and online discussions, AI systems improve embassy capabilities. Diplomats can employ AI to identify new trends and threats in real time instead of relying on traditional reporting methods.
Analysis and Forecasting
Predictive modelling, enabled by AI, helps diplomats anticipate social unrest, migration trends, and economic crises. However, because these models can be biased or overconfident, it is important to critically assess the insights they produce.
Negotiation and Norm-Setting
AI has become a crucial issue in international negotiations. Countries are now debating data governance, algorithmic transparency, and cross-border AI regulation. Pakistani diplomats, in particular, will increasingly engage with the EU AI Act framework, as well as global discussions on AI safety and military uses.
Public Diplomacy and Narrative Management
The cost of content creation has fallen due to generative AI technologies, which have opened new avenues for soft power but also heightened the risk of misinformation. Diplomats must protect their credibility, scrutinize content sources, and respond swiftly to changing narratives.
Read More: What Are the Various Tracks of Diplomacy? We Explain
Pakistan’s National AI Policy 2025: A Diplomatic Milestone
On 30 July 2025, Pakistan’s federal cabinet approved the country’s first comprehensive AI policy (Dawn, 2025). The policy is built on five key pillars:
- Capacity Building: Training one million professionals and awarding 3,000 scholarships each year.
- Ecosystem Development: Creating AI Centers of Excellence in key cities.
- Innovation and Civic Application: Launching 50,000 AI-enabled projects and developing 1,000 AI products within five years.
- Governance and Ethics: Establishing an AI Council and a comprehensive action plan for ethical AI deployment.
- Economic Ambition: Targeting a $2.7 billion AI market and anticipating a 12% GDP growth (ProPakistani, 2025).
Diplomatic Implications
- Representation: As part of economic diplomacy, Pakistani diplomats should promote the nation’s developing AI capabilities to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), facilitate technology transfers, and engage with the diaspora.
- Norm Entrepreneurship: Pakistan can lead in inclusive AI governance by officially adopting an AI policy that emphasizes disability and gender inclusion.
- Network Orchestration: Embassies will act as vital hubs in a global network connecting universities, startups, AI Centers of Excellence, and foreign partners.
- Cybersecurity Diplomacy: Pakistan’s cybersecurity credentials will be bolstered, and its reputation in international cyber cooperation will be enhanced through collaboration with CERT and NCCIA.
Risks and Challenges
The use of AI in diplomacy is encouraging, but there are a number of obstacles to overcome:
- Bias and Fairness: AI tools can reinforce biases, especially when local data is lacking, which might distort diplomatic decision-making.
- Accountability in Flat Networks: According to Provan and Kenis (2008), shared governance models may cause uncertainty about roles and responsibilities, which could hinder efficient decision-making.
- Over-Reliance: AI systems risk misclassifying vital information or making errors, resulting in poor outcomes and potentially undermining diplomatic efforts.
- Geopolitical Sensitivity: Working with certain foreign partners in AI could raise concerns among other countries, leading to geopolitical tensions.
To mitigate these risks, transparency protocols, human oversight, and robust audit trails must be integrated into AI systems, potentially following the guidelines established by the EU AI Act’s risk-based approach.
Read More: The Transformation of International Relations Through AI Diplomacy
Capability Blueprint for Pakistan’s MFA
Pakistan should concentrate on the following to fully implement the AI policy in diplomacy:
- People: Offer specialized training in AI policy, ethics, and product management to enhance AI literacy within the diplomatic service.
- Procedures: establish governance frameworks for networked diplomacy, assess the risks related to AI deployment, and optimize diplomatic workflows using agile methods.
- Platforms: Develop secure AI environments, establish compatible APIs, and connect AI Centers of Excellence to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
- Partnerships: Enhance collaboration with academic institutions, technology experts from the diaspora, and multilateral AI initiatives.
To conclude, a new era of diplomacy is heralded by AI and flat organizational structures. Pakistan has the chance to become a regional leader in AI development with the National AI Policy 2025. As a result, diplomats must transition from being traditional message bearers to active players in AI-driven statecraft, negotiating the tricky terrain of legitimacy, governance, and moral AI application.
Pakistan must responsibly incorporate AI into its foreign policy while maintaining inclusive, accountable, and transparent diplomacy. With this strategy, the nation can embrace a future of connected, AI-powered diplomacy and move past conventional diplomatic methods.
*The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of TDI.
Amar Masood
Amar Masood is the CTO of Pakistan Taekwondo Federation and coaches the Pakistan National Taekwondo Team since 2006. He holds the Prestigious title of “Pakistan Color” for having represented the country at the international level. He is also an MPhil Student of Public Policy.
