OVERVIEW

Science Diplomacy enters uncharted territory in this episode of The Global Lens, as Daniella Sussman and Rui Pedro Duarte discuss how artificial intelligence is emerging as a new geopolitical actor. From the rise of digital twins to the redefinition of statecraft, they explore how technology is transforming power, partnerships, and the practice of diplomacy in the twenty-first century.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this conversation, Rui Pedro Duarte outlines a near-future vision where AI systems actively participate in global governance, crafting and refining treaties in real time. The discussion moves from the need for agile diplomacy and multi-stakeholder collaboration to the idea of machine-readable rights and decentralized governance models.

As AI becomes a geopolitical force, Duarte argues that innovation, international partnerships, and digital foresight will determine how humanity governs its future. Through vivid examples from his book Statecraft 3.0, the episode challenges listeners to imagine diplomacy that learns, adapts, and co-evolves with technology.

In this episode, we discuss:

02:42 – Introducing AI’s transformative role in decision-making

04:56 – Redefining agility in diplomacy

06:51 – Power shifting from states to technology platforms

10:40 – Embracing experimentation and interoperability

13:25 – How polycentric governance strengthens multilateralism

20:17 – Modeling the future through simulation

35:05 – Positioning artificial intelligence as a central force in the next era of statecraft

ABOUT THE GUEST

Rui Duarte is the Managing Director of Loop Future Switzerland (DACH) and Director of AI Governance at RegHorizon, home of the AI Policy Summit. He is the author of Statecraft 3.0: The Age of AI Diplomacy, a member of the Diplomatic Courier’s World in 2050 Brain Trust, and serves on the GAFAI Policy & Regulation Executive Office. A former Member of Parliament in Portugal, Rui has over 15 years of experience across government, international organizations, and the private sector. He speaks globally on AI governance, ethics, and the future of diplomacy.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

⚇ (Book) Statecraft 3.0: The Age of AI Diplomacy - https://www.amazon.com/dp/3215472155

⚇ (Studies or Research) Destination Earth - https://destination-earth.eu/

⚇ (Studies or Research) European Digital Twin of the Ocean - https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/restore-our-ocean-and-waters/european-digital-twin-ocean-european-dto_en

⚇ (Website) 6th AI Policy Summit (2025) - https://reghorizon.com/ai-policy-summit-2025/

————

This episode is brought to you by Global Signals, a curated bi-weekly paid newsletter for globally minded policymakers, international researchers, strategic industry leaders, and investors.

Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/Global-Lens

————

CONNECT WITH RUI PEDRO DUARTE:

⚇ Website: https://theageofaidiplomacy.com/

⚇ Website: https://www.reghorizon.com/

⚇ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruipedroduarte/

CONNECT WITH DANIELLA:

⚇ Podcast Website: https://the-global-lens.captivate.fm/

⚇ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellasussman/

⚇ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellasussmanglobal/