In a recent webinar cohosted by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and the International Studies Association, experts discussed the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on global dynamics and the urgent need for higher education to adapt. The discussion centered around how educators can equip students to navigate an AI-driven world, focusing on both the ethical implications of AI and its geopolitical repercussions.
Kat Duffy, a Senior Fellow for Digital and Cyberspace Policy at CFR, emphasized the necessity of distinguishing between AI as a tool for education and AI as a subject matter influencing international relations. Duffy noted that generative AI tools have captivated the attention of policymakers, making AI a top priority in foreign affairs discussions. She highlighted significant variances in how different nations are approaching AI, particularly between higher-income countries focusing on governance and risk mitigation and emerging economies emphasizing equitable access to technology.
Duffy explained that the U.S. faces a fragmented regulatory landscape regarding AI, with over a thousand bills proposed across state legislatures, yet only a small fraction of states have sustainable funding plans to support these initiatives. This chaotic environment presents challenges for educators attempting to incorporate AI literacy into their curricula. Duffy stated, “If you are feeling confused, overwhelmed, like you can’t get your arms around it, that is just plain common sense,” underscoring the complexity of the current situation.
Dessie P. Zagorcheva, an Adjunct Associate Professor at LaGuardia Community College, pointed out that while students are adept at using AI, they often lack foundational knowledge about it. She argued that academia must do more to cultivate AI literacy, cautioning against students’ overreliance on chatbots, which can lead to misinformation and biases. “When students trust AI too much, they may overlook its limitations, such as hallucinations and biases present in the data it was trained on,” Zagorcheva noted. She suggested that educators should focus on developing critical thinking skills, media literacy, and a better understanding of privacy and security risks associated with AI.
The conversation also touched on the essential role of educators in fostering a sense of agency among students. Duffy urged faculty to embrace AI as a tool that can enhance learning rather than diminish it. She advocated for assignments that allow students to engage with AI critically, emphasizing the importance of understanding how to interact with these systems effectively. “AI is actually a very good teacher on AI,” Duffy remarked, highlighting the potential for students to learn about AI’s strengths and weaknesses through direct engagement.
During the webinar, practical strategies for integrating AI into education were also discussed. Zagorcheva shared her experiences using simulations, such as those developed by CFR, to immerse students in real-world decision-making scenarios involving AI regulation. These simulations encourage active learning and critical analysis, helping students appreciate the complexities of AI’s impact on global governance and individual rights.
As the discussion progressed, the panelists acknowledged the societal anxieties surrounding AI, particularly in relation to employability. Duffy noted that while AI’s integration into workplaces has been rapid, many companies are still experimenting with its applications and have not yet seen widespread, scalable adoption. “Most employers are not firing employees because AI has made them more productive, but rather due to economic pressures,” she explained, emphasizing the nuanced realities of job displacement in the age of AI.
Both Duffy and Zagorcheva stressed the importance of including marginalized voices in AI-mediated learning environments. They pointed out that many AI systems are trained on Western-centric data, which can perpetuate biases and exclude diverse perspectives. Zagorcheva encouraged students to engage with and contribute their unique viewpoints, stating, “When they believe in their unique contribution, they will be more active and involved.” Duffy added that no technology is neutral, urging educators to make students aware of the biases embedded within AI systems.
The webinar concluded with a call to action for educators to harness AI as a means of fostering creativity and critical thinking in their students. As the landscape of education continues to evolve alongside AI advancements, the responsibility lies with educators to prepare students for the complexities of a rapidly changing world. Duffy encapsulated this sentiment, stating, “Agency, agency, agency,” underscoring the importance of empowering students to navigate their futures with confidence in an AI-driven society.
For more information on the resources available for educators, visit the Council on Foreign Relations website.
As the integration of AI technology continues to accelerate, the role of education in shaping informed, ethical, and capable global citizens becomes increasingly crucial.
See also
Getty Images Revives Copyright Case Against Stability AI in Landmark Ruling
D-Wave Quantum vs. Alphabet: AI Investment Showdown Amid Rising Quantum Computing Stakes
NVIDIA Faces Funding Jitters Amid $6B Blackwell Buildout and China Trade Uncertainty
Tenable Appoints Vlad Korsunsky as CTO to Drive AI-Enhanced Exposure Management Strategy
AI’s Geopolitical Shift: Insights from ACC Europe and Squire Patton Boggs on Navigating Market Risks
