Discover How AI is Revolutionizing the Geopolitical Order, as Revealed by Political Scientist Ian Bremmer

Artificial Intelligence will have a significant impact on both geopolitics and globalization, according to Ian Bremmer, political scientist and president of the Eurasia Group.

“I think that AI is transformative for the geopolitical order, both in good ways and in problematic ways,” stated Bremmer during an interview with CNBC’s Tania Bryer for “The CNBC Conversation.”

On the positive side, AI could fuel “a new globalization,” Bremmer anticipated, addressing the existing concerns about the state and future of globalization. The widespread adoption of this technology will likely accelerate the creation and development of a new global middle class, he added.

“With anyone having a smartphone, access to AI will become universal,” Bremmer explained, expressing his belief that this will enhance the intellectual capacity of people worldwide. He suggested that fields such as medicine and education will be strengthened, while industrial processes and scientific advancements will become more efficient.

“In other words, I’m extremely optimistic about the positive impact this technology will have on the world,” Bremmer stated.

However, he also identified potential risks associated with AI that could lead to negative disruptions. Bremmer cautioned that the world is not yet prepared to manage these risks. For instance, while AI can be utilized to write code and develop vaccines, it can also be misused for hacking systems or creating malware and viruses.

“This implies that governance must involve not only governments but also technology companies. Unfortunately, we are not ready for that reality,” Bremmer observed.

Bremmer informed CNBC that while global leaders and policymakers may currently be lagging behind, they are starting to catch up with the advancements in AI.

“A year ago, I never had a single conversation with any global leader, anywhere in the world, about AI or their concerns regarding its implications for political systems, the global economy, or national security,” Bremmer revealed.

He further highlighted that nowadays, practically all global leaders inquire about AI when speaking with him.

This trend encompasses countries like China, the U.S., and the U.K., as well as international organizations such as the European Union and G7, according to Bremmer. These entities are actively striving to gain knowledge about AI, assess their information gaps, and comprehend the role played by technology companies.

Since the rise of AI in late 2022, countries have been grappling with the challenges of understanding and regulating this technology. The rapid growth of AI across various domains and the diverse range of issues it presents, including employment security and national security, make it a formidable task for lawmakers.

For example, the European Union recently passed regulations requiring a review process for new AI tools, like chatbots, before their release to the public. Additionally, they implemented a ban on certain AI functionalities, such as real-time face recognition.

In a similar move, China introduced rules for generative AI services, stating that licenses may be necessary prior to public availability of AI tools like OpenAI’s viral ChatGPT.

Bremmer emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of AI before effective regulation can be implemented.

“You can only govern what you truly comprehend,” he stressed.

According to Bremmer, a United Nations-driven process involving governments, scientists, and companies is essential. Such an intergovernmental panel on artificial intelligence would examine the current state of AI, identify key actors, grasp the opportunities and risks associated with the technology, and collectively determine appropriate measures.

Bremmer firmly believes that collaboration among nations and various stakeholders is crucial in this domain, rather than engaging in competitive pursuits.

“Unlike nuclear weapons, where only a few countries possessed the capability and others were prevented from acquiring it, AI operates in a decentralized, open-source manner, granting access to all advancements for both positive and negative purposes,” Bremmer explained.

Consequently, global oversight becomes imperative. Bremmer proposed the establishment of a “geo-technology stability board” through collaboration between countries and technology companies. This board would ensure that regulations do not hinder progress or innovation in the global AI market.

“This should not be a conflict between the U.S. and China,” Bremmer concluded.

France has already expressed its willingness to collaborate with the U.S. on AI regulations, as stated by French politicians seeking global laws on the matter.