Where Global Thinking Meets Local Opportunity

Andreas Theodoropoulos F26 still remembers the high school lecture hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies that sparked his interest in international relations. After studying politics, philosophy and economics at Queens University, Theodoropoulos returned to hometown Boston eager to build his work experience before pursuing a master’s degree in international relations. 

For two years, Theodoropoulos worked at State Street, a Boston-based multinational bank, where he addressed anti-money laundering risks and other types of financial crime testing across a global network. When it was time to apply to graduate school, he knew he wanted to remain in Boston. Drawn to Fletcher’s location, international scope and alumni network, he joined the Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy program. 

A New Approach to Negotiation

It was in Professor Marcia Moreno-Baez’s GIS course that Theodoropoulos was introduced to possibilities of using artificial intelligence (AI) in international diplomacy. 

“I loved the ability to tell a story and visualize data,” Theodoropoulos said, describing his first experience with GIS. “It really intrigued me. So after the first semester, I worked as a TA for the same class in the spring.” 

Theodoropoulos continued to explore the advantages of using AI in negotiation and mediation as a research assistant at the Leir Institute. Soon, he was on one of two Fletcher teams that brought home awards from the Harvard AI Negotiation Competition. 

Over the course of his first year, Theodoropoulos learned how to use AI tools such as automated retrieval mechanisms to import data and track stakeholder interest. 

“I’m interested in the combination of using AI tools in a real world setting where you still have to negotiate with people and use those other soft skills,” Theodoropoulos said. “It’s a fascinating way to see where the future of negotiation and multilateral cooperation could be going.” 

Building an Ethical AI Ecosystem in Massachusetts 

This summer, Theodoropoulos joined the AI Hub, a new government-sponsored collaborative in Massachusetts, as a Rappaport fellow. 

“Our key objective is to help foster the AI industry among different stakeholders within the state and to help retain talent within the AI ecosystem,” he said.  

As a fellow, he is focused on stakeholder mapping and the ethics of AI, expanding upon the preliminary ethics code the AI Task Force provided. Whether considering the environmental footprint of AI centers or the accessibility of data, Theodoropoulos is part of a team that is thinking critically about how to implement AI responsibly. 

“We have education and upskilling programs in the works,” he said. “Thinking about how AI can be ethically and equitably utilized across all these domains requires a lot of stakeholder feedback and implementing that in our programs.”

Looking Ahead: AI, Security and the Value of Place 

In his second year of the MALD program, Theodoropoulos plans to continue researching how AI can be employed within national security and international relations. 

“There's still a lot to be explored in terms of the statecraft and diplomatic forms that AI can take, and the risks that they pose,” he said. “I'm really interested in bringing that back to my studies.” 

In the fall, he will start an internship at the Naval War College assisting with their emerging technologies and ethics program. Until then, he is balancing work with all that Boston has to offer. 

“Being outside in nature is my favorite part,” Theodoropoulos said of his summer. “There are so many places to explore in Boston that are accessible by transit. I like to visit the Boston Harbor Islands if I have a day off or go to the Commons.” 

Reflecting on how the city has shaped his Fletcher experience, Theodoropoulos noted how Boston is a dynamic community to live and work.

“I think the great thing about being able to live and work here are the opportunities to meet such interesting people in such a wide range of fields,” he said. “You have all these institutions here, and there's a really inviting culture to have people come in and help.”

“It’s special,” he added, “and I think students should take the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone and explore.” 

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