Artificial Intelligence in Geopolitics: Opportunities and Challenges for National Power
Keywords:
Artificial intelligence, military power, political power, economic power, scientific-technological powerAbstract
In early September 2017, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, brought artificial intelligence from the laboratories of Silicon Valley, universities, and the basement of the Pentagon to the forefront of international power. He stated that artificial intelligence is the future not only for Russia but for all of humanity. This phenomenon is accompanied by vast opportunities but also presents threats that are difficult to predict. Whoever becomes the leader in this field will become the ruler of the world. Accordingly, artificial intelligence has been prioritized by countries as an instrument for enhancing national power. The aim of this article is to examine the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence as a tool of national power for countries in economic, political, scientific, and military dimensions. To achieve this aim, a descriptive-analytical method was employed. The findings indicate that artificial intelligence, across economic, military, political, and scientific domains, can enhance both material capabilities (such as growth in gross domestic product, number of publications, production of high-technology products, and undetectable drones) and nonmaterial capabilities (such as increased public participation, rational political decision-making, and combating racial and political discrimination). These enhancements contribute to increasing countries’ capacity for international competition and securing the global digital sphere. However, insofar as geopolitical relations among countries are shaped by interactions, conflicts, and rivalries, concerns regarding military, economic, political, and technological superiority will persist. These concerns have the potential to affect national security and international relations due to the volume of big data being generated. Therefore, although artificial intelligence represents a significant potential geopolitical advantage for national power, it may also pose a distinct challenge to the current balance of power.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Majid Rasouli (Corresponding author); Abazar Binaian (Author)
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