Legal and political discourse about digital technologies focus on whether and how the technology should be regulated—including discussions about machine learning, often grouped under the umbrella of Artificial Intelligence or “AI”. This panel will shift the focus to ask how the proliferation of AI impacts the practice of international law(-making). Examples abound. International organizations are increasingly using AI for operational and advisory functions, commercial technology companies are becoming active players in global law-making, data modeling and AI are emerging as central to planetary governance, and AI is challenging established concepts and rubrics of international economic law. This roundtable will convene a conversation among scholars and practitioners about “next-generation international law” How does our digital turn affect international legal decision-making? How might our model of diplomacy be rethought in light of technological advances? What role do AI and other digital technologies play in negotiating our geopolitical and climate challenges?

Panelists: Victoria Adelmant, Adele Barzelay, Laura O’Brien, Thomas Streinz, Yirong Sun