Simulation of Negotiations: Integrating Science and Diplomacy

Abstract

The University of Geneva is organizing a simulation seminar in collaboration with the Center for Security Studies (ETH Zurich), which aims at providing students from diverse academic backgrounds the opportunity to apply their political and technical knowledge to a case study of international relations. This year's case study concerns artificial intelligence and its use in warfare.

Objective

Students will participate in a simulation of diplomatic negotiations focusing on the case study of the use of artificial intelligence in warfare. Students will be provided with basic information on the selected case study, such as the historical, political, and socio-economic dimensions, and receive an introduction on negotiation techniques, particularly the diplomatic engineering method. Based on a comprehensive analysis, negotiation scenarios will be developed and subsequently tested during a two-day simulation. Students will collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, consisting of students with backgrounds in international relations as well as in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The detailed technical content will be specified in the process of developing the case study materials.

Content

Artificial intelligence is changing warfare and the nature of war. It enables the development and deployment of autonomous drones and robotic systems capable of performing missions without direct human control, such as surveillance, reconnaissance and targeted strikes. The wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon are examples of the intensive use of artificial intelligence in warfare. It has also become obvious that there is a lack of international regulations for the use of artificial intelligence in war and conflict. However, multilateral consultations/negotiations are ongoing, and Geneva plays an important role in these efforts. The Seminar on Global Governance: The Art and Science of Negotiation gives students the opportunity to examine political, technological, legal, and humanitarian dimensions of the military use of artificial intelligence and to deepen their knowledge through experts’ presentations, mandatory readings and the drafting of individual papers that present key players’ positions with their divergences and convergences. Students will also conduct research on topics related to the military use of artificial intelligence, they will analyze existing instruments of international law, technological developments as well as the ongoing consultations and negotiations on the issue. The seminar provides students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to a case study of multilateral negotiations. Students will apply their knowledge through participation in a simulation exercise of multilateral negotiation to be held at the University of Geneva in May 2026. Negotiation tables will be chaired by former ambassadors with extensive experience in the field of international negotiations. To this end, the students will work in teams. The negotiation method applied is the diplomatic engineering method developed by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic engineering is a process-based approach rooted in real-world negotiation experience and on negotiation theories. It aims at matching pragmatic solutions to a given problem by applying situation-specific instruments and tools as it is done in engineering science. The course will be in English. The sessions dedicated to the negotiation method and experts’ presentations will be held online on ETH Zurich premises, while the two-day simulation will take place in person at the University of Geneva in May 2026. The seminar is headed by former Ambassador Dr. Martin Dahinden and Dr. Stéphan Davidshofer. ETH Zurich encourages all students, and especially those with a background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, to participate in the seminar.

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