PILPG 3d ago

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, Dr. Paul Williams speaks with Ambassador Dr. István Lakatos about human rights diplomacy in a fragmented and increasingly geopolitical world order. Drawing on decades of experience in multilateral diplomacy, Ambassador Lakatos argues that diplomacy has not collapsed, but its political layer has changed dramatically. Quiet technical work continues, while public diplomacy is increasingly shaped by speed, social media, artificial intelligence, and domestic political narratives. He explains why human rights institutions are bending under pressure rather than breaking, and why today’s challenge is less normative expansion than normative defense. The conversation explores UN reform, issue-based coalitions, the role of small and middle powers, AI’s impact on diplomacy, and the importance of credibility for the next generation. At its core, this episode offers a cautious but hopeful view of how diplomats, institutions, and civil society can still shape the future.