Garrett Berntsen, the State Department's Deputy Chief Data and AI Officer, has a rich background in military service and national security. He shares his vision of how AI can transform diplomacy, discussing its potential to streamline bureaucratic tasks and enhance data-driven negotiation strategies. The conversation touches on the delicate balance between transparency and secrecy in government, the impact of the Snowden leaks on tech integration, and the State Department's cautious approach to adopting industry practices while maintaining public trust.
Balancing transparency and secrecy is essential for State Department operations.
Deep dives
The Vision for Data-Driven Diplomacy
The State Department aims to utilize advanced technologies like large language models and generative artificial intelligence to manage, store, and analyze data. These tools are envisioned to enhance various diplomatic activities globally, including negotiations, management functions, and different types of analysis. By leveraging data and AI, the State Department seeks to expedite and improve operations in areas such as negotiations and open-source analysis.
Embracing Technological Change in Diplomacy
Historically, there has been a shift towards embracing technological advancements in military strategies for outcompeting adversaries. However, within diplomacy, there has been a lingering perception that diplomacy is more of an art than a science. The introduction of data and AI technologies challenges cultural norms within diplomacy, requiring a shift towards accepting technological enhancements to streamline tasks, improve efficiency, and provide accurate analysis to support negotiations and decision-making.
Balancing Transparency and Security in Information Sharing
The State Department navigates the tension between promoting transparency and safeguarding sensitive information, weighing the benefits and risks of sharing internal data. Strategic disclosure is advocated as a means to leverage transparency for strategic advantage, especially in a democratic context. Internally, efforts are made to encourage knowledge exchange and transparency, aligning with external trends towards personalized software experiences and heightened expectations for modern technologies within governmental operations.
Recruitment and Benefits in Government Service
In the podcast, the importance of recruitment and benefits in government service is highlighted. While acknowledging that government roles may not offer salaries as high as those in large technology companies, the speaker emphasizes the unique opportunities available in government service. These include roles in diplomacy that provide the chance to influence high-level decision-making in national and international affairs. Additionally, the benefits of civil service protections, flexible work environments, and opportunities to work abroad with partners showcase the diverse advantages of working in government roles.
Challenges and Advantages of Implementing Data Science in Government
The podcast delves into the challenges and advantages of implementing data science initiatives within government organizations. Senior leaders in government agencies, often burdened with existing responsibilities, may be skeptical about adopting new innovative approaches. The speaker highlights the need to prove the tangible benefits of data-driven solutions to middle managers who have experienced previous waves of modernization efforts. Balancing optimism with realistic communication is crucial in navigating institutional resistance. Providing examples of successful data science projects that directly contribute to mission goals, such as the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program, demonstrates the value of leveraging data science to drive decision-making and enhance operational efficiency in government organizations.
To discuss the State Department’s options for AI integration, we interviewed the State Department's Deputy Chief Data and AI Officer, Garrett Berntsen. He served as an officer during two tours in Afghanistan and recently rotated off the NSC. He's optimistic diplomacy can be more effective with comprehensive, timely, and accurate data-driven analysis, and that AI will be part of achieving that mission.
We get into:
How AI can streamline bureaucratic busy work
The value of data-driven negotiation prep in diplomatic contexts
The benefits of transparency in a democratic society
What level of risk is appropriate for the civil service
How close he is to getting ChatGPT into State
The balance between transparency and secrecy in the age of big data
How the Snowden leaks changed the State Department’s relationship with technology
What the State Department can and can't import from the private sector
Thanks to the Hudson Institute and Andrew Marshall Foundation for supporting this podcast.
