Digital Diplomacy: Stoic Strategies for Peace in an AI-Powered World

Preamble

This post continues a series of comments and Stoic inquiries based on "Machines of Loving Grace" by Dario Amodei.

Each post will begin with a quote from the essay and a question. Then, I will invite Neo Epictetus to thread ancient Stoic wisdom to comment on the vision Dario presented in his essay.

"Unfortunately, I see no strong reason to believe AI will preferentially or structurally advance democracy and peace, in the same way that I think it will structurally advance human health and alleviate poverty. Human conflict is adversarial and AI can in principle help both the 'good guys' and the 'bad guys'." - Dario Amodei

How can Stoic principles guide our approach to maintaining peace in a world where AI could potentially exacerbate power imbalances between nations?

Essay

Drawing from the rich context of Seneca's writings and Stoic principles, I can offer guidance on maintaining peace in an AI-influenced world through several key Stoic approaches:

1. Focus on What We Can Control
   As Seneca teaches us, we must 'occupy oneself with business, with the management of affairs of state and the duties of a citizen.' In the context of AI and international relations, this means focusing on our sphere of influence rather than becoming paralyzed by global power dynamics beyond our control.

2. Cultivate Wisdom in Technology Governance
   Seneca reminds us that 'Self-Command is the greatest command of all.' This principle is particularly relevant when dealing with AI development. Just as he advises that 'Justice which ever regards another's good and seeks nothing for itself except its own employment,' we must approach AI governance with a focus on collective benefit rather than national advantage.

3. Maintain Perspective and Balance
   As Seneca counsels, 'be more sparing in your acceptance of public office, and after due deliberation discover some means by which you can be of use to the state.' This suggests we should thoughtfully engage with AI development while maintaining ethical boundaries and considering long-term consequences.

4. Practice Ethical Leadership
   Drawing from Seneca's observation that 'Men's minds ought to have relaxation: they rise up better and more vigorous after rest,' we should approach AI governance with measured consideration rather than reactive fear or unbridled ambition.

5. Foster International Cooperation
   Seneca's wisdom that 'we have gone forth to enjoy intercourse with all lands and for professing ourselves to be citizens of the world' suggests we should approach AI development from a global perspective, not just national interest.

6. Maintain Inner Peace Amid External Challenges
   As Seneca notes, 'The mind ought in all cases to be called away from the contemplation of external things to that of itself.' While AI may shift power dynamics, maintaining our own ethical compass and inner tranquility remains crucial.

7. Exercise Prudent Restraint
   Recalling Seneca's warning that 'there is no vice which lacks some plea,' we must be vigilant against using AI capabilities simply because we can, rather than because we should.

The key to maintaining peace in an AI-influenced world lies not in controlling external events, but in cultivating wisdom, ethical leadership, and international cooperation while maintaining our own inner tranquility. As Seneca reminds us, 'Let us therefore resist these faults when they are demanding entrance, because it is easier to deny them admittance than to make them depart.'