Trump’s Middle East approach proves this concept has turned into real political action. By departing from restrictive export policies and instead building strategic AI partnerships, the US has transformed the Gulf into a third global AI hub alongside America and China. This development is poised to change the global tech scene. This is not just economic cooperation, but strategic alliance-building through technology. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to AI infrastructure, the UAE’s massive data center projects, and Qatar’s quantum computing ventures represent calculated moves to integrate these countries into the US-led tech ecosystem while countering China’s “Digital Silk Road” influence in the region.
The global response
Trump’s Middle East deals have triggered responses that further demonstrate how central AI diplomacy has become in modern international relations. China has accelerated its AI partnerships with developing countries around the world, using its advanced AI models and extensive IT infrastructure to offer alternative technological paths. Meanwhile, Russia has strategically used the expanded BRICS bloc—which now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE to build parallel AI ecosystems through their AI Study Group and Alliance network. Russia promotes its AI Code of Ethics and projects $350-600 billion in AI-driven value by 2030. Even Europe, traditionally focused on AI regulation, has intensified its diplomatic outreach to promote its “human-centric AI” governance model, embodied by the EU AI Act, internationally.
These developments aren’t happening in isolation. They show how AI capabilities and partnerships have become as crucial to diplomatic strategy as traditional military or economic alliances. We are witnessing the emergence of “AI blocs” that will likely define geopolitical alignments for the coming decades.
What does this mean for international relations?
The maturation of AI diplomacy signals three critical developments. First, being a tech leader now gives countries more diplomatic power in ways we haven’t seen since the space race. Second, AI partnerships are becoming the new basis for strategic alliances, possibly changing how countries work together. Third, countries that fail to develop coherent AI diplomatic strategies risk being left behind as technology becomes more important in international relations.
This transformation also highlights that AI diplomacy works in two ways. Countries need to create rules for how AI is developed and used globally, while also using AI as a tool to advance their own diplomatic goals. Countries now must handle both of these aspects effectively if they intend to maintain their international influence.
Preparing for the AI diplomatic era
As AI diplomacy moves from theory to practice, diplomatic institutions and professionals face an urgent need to develop new capabilities and frameworks. The fast pace of AI development means that traditional diplomatic timelines and processes must adapt to technological realities that now evolve almost monthly, rather than annually.
DiploFoundation’s pioneering work in AI diplomacy research, training programs like the AI Campus, and tools like DiploAI represent exactly the kind of institutional innovation needed to prepare diplomats for this transformation. Understanding AI diplomacy is no longer optional for international relations practitioners. It has become essential for anyone seeking to successfully navigate the emerging global order.
Ethical challenges and opportunities
Alongside these opportunities, AI diplomacy also brings challenges. Issues such as privacy, surveillance, bias in AI systems, and the potential misuse of AI technology require international cooperation and governance. The Gulf AI deals open the door for collaborative efforts to address these ethical concerns, ensuring that AI development respects human rights and promotes equitable benefits.
The era of AI diplomacy has officially begun, and the Gulf deals struck during Trump’s visit are just the opening move in what promises to be a defining chapter of 21st-century international relations. As AI continues to reshape economies, societies, and security landscapes, diplomatic engagement around AI will only grow in importance.
Future diplomatic efforts will likely focus on balancing technological cooperation with governance challenges such as AI ethics, security risks, and equal access. The partnerships forged in the Gulf will serve as a model for integrating AI diplomacy into the broader fabric of international relations.
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