CRISIS OF PERCEPTION IN A TRANSFORMING WORLD ORDER: THE IMPACT OF AI TRANSLATION ERRORS ON INTERNATIONAL TRUST AND DIPLOMATIC COMMUNICATION

Abstract

Against the backdrop of accelerating globalization and the intensification of international cooperation, intergovernmental communication and diplomatic correspondence are increasingly conducted in multiple languages. In this context, translation services-particularly artificial intelligence–based automated translation systems such as Google Translate, DeepL, Meta AI Translator, and other advanced platforms-have become an integral part of global diplomacy. While these technologies offer significant advantages in terms of speed and accessibility, their complete reliability in diplomatic correspondence and high-level international meetings remains a matter of debate. Although automated translation systems can ensure a certain degree of accuracy, they still face limitations in areas such as contextual appropriateness, cultural nuances, and terminological precision. Delays or semantic distortions arising during the translation process may lead to serious misunderstandings at the strategic level, and in some cases, even political tensions. Historical examples, such as time lags in simultaneous interpretation at United Nations meetings and misinterpretations during the Able Archer 1983 military exercises, demonstrate that translation errors can influence diplomatic decision-making and generate strategic risks. From this perspective, the use of AI-based translation technologies in diplomatic contexts must be accompanied by careful handling, precise terminology, and the proper consideration of cultural context. This study aims to identify both the advantages of these technologies and the risks associated with their use, as well as potential solutions. Ultimately, the application of AI translation technologies in global diplomacy is not only an inevitable requirement of the modern era but also a crucial tool for ensuring accurate and timely strategic decision-making.