Artificial intelligence, as one of the most important drivers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, has the capacity to transform international relations across various economic, political, security, and diplomatic dimensions. In this regard, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its core driving technology, artificial intelligence, delineate a new landscape of opportunities and threats in the international arena. The main objective of this article is to examine the role and function of artificial intelligence in international relations based on the theoretical approaches proposed in this field. By examining these approaches, the main research question is: What is the role and function of artificial intelligence in international relations based on the two theoretical approaches of instrumental and foundational? In response to the main question, the research hypothesis posits that artificial intelligence, in addition to playing an instrumental role in increasing the power and influence of states, due to its very nature, is also a transformative factor at the level of structures, identities, and rules of the international order. Therefore, the future of international relations will be significantly dependent on the type of governance, cooperation, or competition among states in harnessing artificial intelligence. The present research is a qualitative study that is theoretical in terms of its purpose. Data analysis is based on case-to-theory matching, and data collection is based on the use of virtual and documentary sources.



Extended Abstract

Introduction

The world we live in today is undergoing rapid change and transformation under the influence of various phenomena. The field of international relations is also affected by these ongoing global transformations. Over the past three centuries, one of the most significant phenomena driving this change has been the Industrial Revolutions. The waves of Industrial Revolutions, which have now reached their fourth wave, have historically impacted various domains of human societies, and the international sphere has not remained outside this circle, having undergone profound and fundamental changes in response to environmental developments. Artificial intelligence, as one of the most important drivers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, has the capacity to transform international relations across various economic, political, security, and diplomatic dimensions. In this regard, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its core driving technology, artificial intelligence, delineate a new landscape of opportunities and threats in the international arena.

Research Question

The main objective of this article is to examine the role and function of artificial intelligence in international relations based on the theoretical approaches proposed in this field. By examining these approaches, the main research question is: What is the role and function of artificial intelligence in international relations based on the two theoretical approaches of instrumental and foundational? In response to the main question, the research hypothesis posits that artificial intelligence, in addition to playing an instrumental role in increasing the power and influence of states, due to its very nature, is also a transformative factor at the level of structures, identities, and rules of the international order. Therefore, the future of international relations will be significantly dependent on the type of governance, cooperation, or competition among states in harnessing artificial intelligence.



Methodology

This study is qualitative and employs conceptual alignment between International Relations theories and two main approaches to AI: the instrumental and foundational perspectives.



Discussion

Findings indicate that existing views on AI can be categorized into two main approaches: instrumental and foundational. In the instrumental approach, AI is considered a tool used by states and other international actors to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, analyze big data, forecast political and security trends, strengthen diplomacy, develop cybersecurity, manage crises, and increase productivity. According to this approach, although AI significantly enhances actors' capabilities, it does not change the nature or structure of the international system and remains merely a means to achieve traditional goals such as power, security, and national interest. In contrast, the foundational approach argues that AI goes beyond a mere tool and acts as a transformative force in the structure of international relations. According to this view, AI alters power patterns, redefines security, transforms globalization processes, shapes technological competition among great powers, widens the global digital divide, changes the nature of international actors, redefines sovereignty and power, facilitates the diffusion of international norms, and creates new opportunities and threats for global governance. Moreover, the development of intelligent systems, autonomous weapons, cyber warfare, and data-driven competition indicates that AI is becoming a core component of the emerging international order. Examination of International Relations theories also shows that mainstream approaches such as realism and liberalism largely adopt an instrumental view of AI. Realists consider it a tool for enhancing power, security, and balance of power, while liberals view it as a means of fostering international cooperation, diplomacy, global governance, and strengthening international institutions. In contrast, critical theories and constructivism emphasize the foundational role of AI in reproducing power structures, transforming norms, changing actor identities, and redefining core concepts of International Relations, arguing that this technology can structurally reshape the global order.



Conclusion

This study shows that understanding the position of artificial intelligence in International Relations cannot be achieved through either the instrumental or foundational approach alone. The instrumental approach explains the practical and short-term capacities of this technology in areas such as policymaking, diplomacy, security, and decision-making, while the foundational approach explains its long-term and structural implications for transforming the global order, redefining power, changing norms, and shaping new patterns of global governance. Overall, AI should be considered both a strategic tool and a transformative force. The future of International Relations will increasingly depend on how states manage, regulate, and cooperate in the field of artificial intelligence. Responsible use of this technology, along with the development of legal, ethical, and international frameworks, can enhance global cooperation, prevent emerging threats, and reduce technological inequalities, thereby contributing to a more stable international order.