Exploring “Peace Tech”: Can AI Help Build a Less Violent World?
Peace tech venture capitalist Brian Abrams (left) with MPV host Jamil Simon.
A new episode from Making Peace Visible is sparking an important conversation about how technology, especially artificial intelligence, could play a role in reducing global conflict. The episode, titled AI Diplomacy: Can ‘Peace Tech’ Make the World Less Violent?, features venture capitalist Brian Abrams, who is working at the intersection of innovation, investment, and peacebuilding.
As communities around the world navigate increasing uncertainty, this discussion offers a fresh perspective on how emerging tools might contribute to a safer future.
What Is “Peace Tech”?
“Peace tech” is an emerging field where technology is used to better understand, predict, and prevent conflict. Companies in this space are developing tools that use AI to analyze vast amounts of data from sources such as journalism, intelligence reports, and public information.
These systems aim to:
Predict the likelihood of events like military invasions or civil unrest
Identify early warning signs of conflict
Model possible interventions to prevent escalation
By turning data into actionable insights, peace tech seeks to shift responses from reactive to preventive.
Why This Conversation Matters Now
The timing of this discussion is significant. Public funding for peacebuilding efforts has declined in recent years, particularly following major cuts to international aid programs such as USAID. At the same time, many parts of the world are experiencing heightened instability.
This gap between growing challenges and shrinking resources has led innovators like Brian Abrams to explore alternative approaches. His work focuses on using private investment and startup innovation to support peace efforts that might otherwise struggle to find funding.
The Role of AI and Innovation
One of the central ideas discussed in the episode is the potential of AI as a tool for diplomacy and conflict prevention.
AI systems can process large datasets much faster than traditional methods, allowing them to:
Detect patterns that may signal rising tensions
Provide insights into the root causes of conflict
Support governments, mediators, and organizations in decision-making
These tools are not only designed for policymakers. They are also being developed for global companies operating in complex environments, helping them better understand risks and operate responsibly.
A New Model for Supporting Peace
Brian Abrams brings a unique perspective as a venture capitalist investing in peace-focused technologies. He founded B Ventures Group in 2023 with the goal of supporting startups working on conflict prevention and stability.
His approach reflects a broader idea: that innovation and investment can act as powerful drivers for social impact. As he suggests in the episode, if technology is the lever, then investment could be the force that helps move the world toward more peaceful outcomes.
Bridging Technology and Humanity
While the promise of peace tech is compelling, it also raises important questions. Can technology fully capture the complexities of human conflict? How should these tools be used responsibly? And how do we ensure that innovation aligns with ethical considerations?
These are conversations that extend beyond policymakers and investors. They are relevant to communities everywhere, as global stability and peace ultimately affect everyone.
A Conversation Worth Engaging With
This episode invites listeners to think differently about how peace can be built in a rapidly changing world. It highlights the potential of combining technology, data, and human insight to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
For communities interested in innovation, global affairs, or social impact, it offers a thoughtful and forward-looking perspective.