AI Technology, Policy and Governance online course

Artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted from science fiction to everyday reality. But what exactly is it, and how is it reshaping the socioeconomic landscape? What is at stake for governments, businesses, and citizens?

AI has advanced significantly in recent years and is now an integral part of everyday life. Interactive voice assistants on mobile phones, targeted online advertising, autonomous vehicles, and autonomous weapons illustrate the diverse applications of AI in contemporary society. The AI Technology, Policy and Governance course provides in-depth knowledge to help participants to critically assess the consequences of AI, as well as understand the opportunities and challenges it presents across a wide range of fields, including policy and diplomacy. It offers interdisciplinary coverage of the subject, encompassing technical, political, legal, economic, security, and ethical dimensions related to AI.

What will you learn?

• To explain what AI is and how it works, from both technical and policy perspectives, including its practical, ethical, and philosophical implications
• To critically assess the socioeconomic, developmental, and human rights implications of AI, including issues of access and digital divides, the future of work, sustainable development, and fundamental freedoms
• To evaluate the geopolitical, peace, and security dimensions of AI, including its role as a strategic asset, the ongoing AI competition between nations, and its impact on international security
• To understand the key narratives surrounding AI risks, the various layers of AI governance, and to analyse how these shape global discussions on AI
• To assess and compare various AI governance approaches – from technical standards and self-regulation to national laws and multilateral initiatives – and their underlying principles, such as transparency, accountability, and explainability
• To map the main actors and forums involved in shaping AI norms, standards, and policies at the national, regional, and global levels
• To reflect on whether and how AI could be applied responsibly within participants’ professional contexts, and to articulate critical perspectives on its potential to influence decision-making processes, governance models, and democratic values

Course lecturers

Sorina Teleanu

Director of Knowledge, Diplo

Marília Maciel

Director of Digital Trade and Economic Security, Diplo

Lee Hibbard

Administrator, Bioethics Unit, Council of Europe

Anja Đajić

Researcher - AI & Data Lab, Diplo

Jovan Njegić

Head of AI & Data Lab, Diplo

Who should apply

• Officials in government ministries or regulatory bodies, including diplomats working on technology-related issues
• Staff of intergovernmental, international, and regional organisations responsible for internet and ICT policy, technology, and development
• Professionals from the corporate sector seeking to understand the interplay between AI and regulation
• Journalists covering technology-related topics
• Postgraduate students, academics, and researchers in the fields of machine learning and AI

Overview

The course consists of 5 modules:

1. What is AI and how does it work? This module provides a brief history of AI as a scientific discipline, explores definitions of AI, and explains basic technical concepts behind AI functionality (from patterns and probabilities, to large language models and neural networks). This helps set the stage for discussing specific policy and governance issues in more detail in the subsequent modules.
2. AI, socioeconomic implications, and human rights. This module begins with a discussion of the socioeconomic implications of AI, exploring issues such as AI access and digital divides, the potential of AI to help advance sustainable development, and the future of work. The second section of the module covers aspects related to ethics and human rights in the development, deployment, and use of AI.
3. AI, geopolitics, and peace and security. In this module, discussions revolve around AI as a geopolitical asset and the growing AI competition between nations, as well as around the implications of AI for international peace and security (covering debates on issues such as autonomous weapons systems and the responsible use of AI in the military domain). The interplay between AI and cybersecurity will also be briefly covered.
4. Framing AI governance. This module focuses on framing AI governance by unpacking the meaning of the term ‘governance’, exploring narratives around AI-related risks (and how these shape global discussions on AI governance), and examining distinct layers of AI governance across issues such as computation, data, algorithms, and applications.
5. Approaches to AI governance. This module explores concrete governance initiatives. It examines non-governmental, governmental, regional, and global approaches to governing AI (from technical standards and self-regulatory initiatives, to recommendations, laws, and regulations), and provides an overview of key actors, initiatives, and processes in this field.

Methodology

The course will last for a total of 6 weeks, structured as follows:

• 1 week split between the course introduction and the wrap-up
• 5 weeks dedicated to addressing the course topics individually

The course is based on a collaborative learning approach, involving a high level of interaction over a five-week period. This interaction takes place in two main forms:

• Asynchronous interaction, using a custom-developed commenting tool
• Synchronous interaction, through live class meetings held in real time

Each module is discussed over seven days, during which you are expected to actively engage in the exchange of ideas, examples, and experiences with fellow participants and lecturers from around the world. Some modules may also include additional online activities, such as quizzes and exercises. Weekly interaction concludes with a one-hour live class meeting, conducted via Zoom or as a text-based chat. These sessions provide an opportunity to discuss the week’s topic in real time with the lecturer and other participants.

To complete the course successfully, an average of 5 to 7 hours of study time per week is required. This includes both synchronous and asynchronous discussions, as well as any additional online activities. Throughout the course, you will also receive guidance and personalised feedback on your classwork from the course team.

Course materials and the necessary tools for online interaction and course tasks are provided in a virtual classroom.

Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certificate issued by Diplo Academy, which can be printed or shared electronically.

To learn more about the methodology used in this course, watch the video below.

Prerequisites

• Regular internet access
• An undergraduate university degree, OR 3 years of work experience, and appropriate professional qualifications in diplomacy or international relations
• Sufficient English language proficiency to undertake postgraduate-level studies

Fees and scholarships

The fee for this course is €550. 

• Diplo alumni are eligible for a 15% discount on the course fee.
• A limited number of partial scholarships are available for diplomats and professionals working in international relations from developing countries.
• Group discounts are available for multiple participants from the same institution.

Applicants are encouraged to actively explore scholarship funding from local or international institutions.

How to apply

Fill out the short form to begin your application process for this course.

Applying for financial assistance? Please indicate this on the application form and, upload your CV, along with a motivation statement that includes:

• Details of your relevant professional and educational background
• Your reasons for applying to the course
• Why you believe you should be offered the opportunity to participate, and how your participation would benefit you, your institution, and/or your country

Note: Financial assistance from Diplo is available only to applicants from developing countries! Late applications will be considered only if places are still available.

Cancellation policy

A minimum of 15 applications is required for the course to run.

Diplo Academy reserves the right to cancel the course if enrolment is insufficient. In the event of cancellation, Diplo will notify applicants shortly after the application deadline. Applicants who have paid an application fee may either transfer the fee to another course or request a refund.