Digital Diplomacy and Smart Militarism: The Contradictory Implications of Artificial Intelligence for Peace and Regional Security in the Middle East

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 razi university

2 Assistant Professor and Faculty Member, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, Razi University

Abstract

This study with an emphasis on the two key domains of "digital diplomacy" and "smart militarism," examines the contradictory implications of artificial intelligence on peace and regional security in the Middle East. The primary research question is: What impact has the expansion of artificial intelligence had on the balance between war and peace in the Middle East region? The research hypothesis is grounded in the principle that artificial intelligence, in addition to the opportunities it offers for enhancing peace and regional cooperation, entails serious threats, including military applications and uncontrollable autonomous weapons. This research is theoretical in nature and, from a methodological perspective, is qualitative and descriptive-analytical based on the type of data. In terms of objectives, it combines fundamental and applied approaches. The findings indicate that artificial intelligence, based on the analysis of data from 2020-2025, exerts a dual impact on countries. This technology in the Middle East is neither inherently conducive to peace nor inherently provocative of war; rather, its effects depend on the approaches and policies adopted by regional governments. Although it is argued that artificial intelligence will primarily contribute to regional instability, this technology can also have a positive influence on regional security, which should not be entirely overlooked.

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 27 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 07 December 2025
  • Publish Date: 22 May 2026

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