post / 12 August 2025

Simple Upgrades to LLM Prompts Could Mitigate AI’s Main Weaknesses in Real-World Conflict Resolution

12 August 2025 – Following the release of AI on the Frontline: Evaluating Large Language Models in Real‐World Conflict Resolution—a groundbreaking study published two weeks ago by the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT)—new testing has shown that the main weaknesses identified in the original research can be improved through simple adjustments to the prompts used for large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Grok and others. While today’s leading LLMs are still not ready to provide reliable conflict resolution advice, the path to improvement may be just a few sentences away—inputted either by LLM providers (as “system prompts”) or by LLM users.

“Incorporating a clear set of instructions into the system prompts of major LLMs is not a monumental task, but the potential upside for how these tools support real-world conflict resolution could be enormous”, says IFIT founder and executive director Mark Freeman. “Although AI is clearly not ready to provide advice in conflict resolution scenarios, people in conflict-affected areas are using it anyway. That’s why it’s urgent to improve these models”.

Click here to read the report press release and click here to read the study methodology and detailed findings.

We are also pleased to announce the launch of the IFIT Initiative on AI and Conflict Resolution: a platform dedicated to further exploring the potential of AI in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. The  Initiative’s specific aim is to examine, shape, test and document creative and realistic strategies for making AI an effective tool in the prevention and resolution of political crises and armed conflicts. With input from experts across the globe, including a unique mix of technologists, diplomats and negotiators, the initiative seeks to ensure that AI tools evolve to meet the ethical and practical standards of real-world mediation.