Artificial Intelligence Emerges as the New Form of Influence: Global Powers America and China Engage in a Power Struggle for Dominance
The global AI landscape is a dynamic and intriguing arena, with the United States, China, and Europe leading the charge in AI development and governance. Here's a detailed look at the strategies each region is employing:
United States
The U.S. is focusing on maintaining its technological leadership by accelerating innovation and exporting its AI technology stack globally. The "AI Action Plan," also known as "Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan," outlines measures to enhance AI innovation, build AI infrastructure, and promote U.S. technology abroad through robust export policies [1][2].
The U.S. is prioritizing AI for both military and civilian applications, with a strong emphasis on maintaining a competitive edge in technology sectors like AI chips and foundational models. However, the U.S. faces challenges in balancing innovation with regulatory oversight and ethical considerations, particularly around issues like data privacy and AI bias.
China
China is focusing on global AI governance and establishing itself as a leader in international cooperation. The "Global AI Governance Action Plan" aims to create a multilateral framework for AI development and regulation, emphasizing international collaboration and standards [1][4]. China's approach includes initiatives like the Digital Silk Road to export digital technologies and build technological dependencies worldwide [3].
China is investing heavily in AI-driven sectors like surveillance systems, consumer technologies, and manufacturing, aiming to integrate AI into its digital and economic infrastructure [3]. However, China must navigate the risks of technological dependence and criticism over data security and surveillance practices associated with its AI systems.
Europe
Europe, with its strong regulatory framework and research capabilities, plays a significant role in the global AI landscape. Europe's strategy typically involves regulatory leadership and active investment in AI research and development, with a focus on ethical AI and applications in industries like healthcare and manufacturing.
The European Union is taking a pioneering role in AI regulation with the "EU AI Act," aiming to ensure trustworthiness and transparency in AI systems. Europe must balance its relationships with both the U.S. and China, navigating the geopolitical implications of AI development while maintaining its own technological sovereignty.
Conclusion
The global AI competition is characterized by the U.S. focusing on technological dominance, China emphasizing global governance, and Europe concentrating on regulatory leadership. Each region faces unique challenges but continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of AI globally.
Notable mentions include Germany, which is involved in the AI debate, with the use of the analysis software "VeRA" by US company Palantir causing controversy. China is adopting an open-source strategy in AI development, and the EU has published a voluntary AI code of conduct for general purposes to provide the industry with a framework for future legal regulations.
The global AI race is a complex and evolving competition, with each region striving for technological independence, job creation, and maintaining a competitive edge in the AI sector. The future of AI will undoubtedly be shaped by these strategic efforts and the challenges each region faces.
[1] White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. (2020). Executive Order on Maintaining American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-maintaining-american-leadership-artificial-intelligence/
[2] White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. (2020). National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/NationalAIResearchandDevelopmentStrategicPlan.pdf
[3] National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China. (2017). Made in China 2025: Intelligent Manufacturing. Retrieved from http://en.ndrc.gov.cn/newsrelease/201705/t20170512_1126187.html
[4] State Council of the People's Republic of China. (2017). Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan. Retrieved from http://en.gov.cn/policies/latest_releases/2017/07/19/content_281475188022964.htm
- The United States is looking to maintain its lead in technology industries, including AI, by speeding up innovation and promoting its AI technology stack worldwide, as outlined in the "AI Action Plan" and robust export policies.
- China is seeking to become a leader in international AI governance and AI development regulations, with the "Global AI Governance Action Plan" aiming to create a multilateral framework for cooperation and standards.
- Europe is taking a strong stance on ethical AI, focusing on AI research and development in industries like healthcare and manufacturing, and leading in AI regulation with the "EU AI Act."
- In the global AI landscape, other regions like Germany are involved in the debate, with the use of artificial intelligence raising concerns, such as the controversy around the analysis software "VeRA" by US company Palantir.
