Reprogramming Peace: AI and the Future of Conflict Resolution

The integration of AI into daily life has introduced novel ways to gauge public opinion, predict conflict escalation, and enhance inclusivity and effectiveness in mediation. AI’s applications span from early warning systems and digital negotiation platforms to context analysis tools and deliberative simulations, all of which are reshaping the dynamics of contemporary conflict resolution and peace processes. Alongside these advances, AI presents significant challenges, particularly across operational, ethical, and political dimensions. At the operational level, AI systems risk reinforcing historical biases, exacerbating existing power imbalances, and complicating the equitable distribution of technological benefits. Ethically, issues such as algorithmic biases, opaque decision-making processes, and the potential misuse of AI-generated content underscore the need for robust oversight mechanisms and comprehensive governance frameworks.

The paper advocates an integrated global response to these challenges, emphasizing the importance of robust ethical oversight, inclusive governance practices, and international regulatory frameworks that safeguard rights, promote transparency, and democratize access to AI technologies. Collaborative efforts among multilateral institutions, governments, academia, and civil society are essential to ensure that AI’s transformative potential is harnessed responsibly, ultimately fostering inclusive and equitable outcomes in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

This paper builds upon insights and discussions initiated by the 2025 AI+X+G study group at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School, which served as a catalyst for exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and conflict resolution.