Artificial Intelligence: A Catalyst for De-Globalization

Artificial intelligence (AI) is deeply intertwined with globalization, evolving due to international cooperation in technology. As the U.S. leads in AI development, its competition with China hints at a shift towards de-globalization, marked by nationalist policies and stricter borders. Current trade conflicts demonstrate how this rivalry can disrupt global economic relations, raising questions about the viability of future international cooperation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has carved itself a crucial niche in our daily lives, seamlessly integrating into both macro-level operations like ticketing systems and personal tasks such as crafting poems or images. Its influence is all-encompassing, even inspiring research topics with mere prompts. However, this omnipresence isn’t merely coincidental; it’s deeply intertwined with global developments in technology and supply chains.

The evolution of AI isn’t isolated but is one thread in the vast fabric of globalization. Essential AI components like semiconductors showcase this dependency; a staggering 91% of the world’s semiconductor sales are concentrated in just five countries—including the U.S. and China. Here, the assembly flows through a globally dependent pipeline, underscoring that the growth of AI is fundamentally linked to international cooperation and supply chains.

Currently, the U.S. dominates the AI landscape, scoring 70.06 on Stanford’s 2023 AI Index, while China lags at 40.17. This rivalry sets the stage for a technological race that hints at potential de-globalization. If AI can disrupt interconnections cultivated through globalization, it raises pressing questions about the future of global cooperation and unity amid this fierce competition between nations.

Deglobalization serves as a counterpoint to globalization, manifesting through increased nationalism, stricter borders, and protective policies. In contrast to globalization’s push for free trade and interconnectedness, de-globalization promotes barriers and local solutions, effectively restricting international economic interaction. Recent U.S. policies, such as the Innovation and Competition Act, reveal a shift towards fostering domestic industries, aiming to safeguard national interests amid global uncertainty.

Examining the U.S.-China AI and trade conflicts reveals clear evidence of de-globalization. The initial trade war saw tariffs levied on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of goods, extending into the semiconductor arena. The U.S. enacted controls aimed at stunting China’s technological progress, marking a significant escalation in competition—but this also strained American technology firms reliant on Chinese markets.

In this climate, the interrelation between technology development, AI, and political dynamics becomes starkly apparent. The U.S. perceives China as a growing threat due to its rapid advancements in AI, sparking fears over data security and national sovereignty. This cycle of suspicion and retaliatory measures underscores that de-globalization is not just an economic shift but a fundamental reshaping of international relations.

As trade wars ignite and tariffs rise, the global landscape shifts. Some nations may sustain technological independence, but regions like the Global South—lacking resources for AI development—risk becoming further marginalized. The divisions emerging from U.S.-China tensions signal a troubling trend away from the international cooperation once deemed essential to global prosperity, challenging the relevance of globalization in today’s context.

In conclusion, the rise of AI, bred from globalization, paradoxically paves the way for de-globalization through rising nationalism and protective stances. This spiral raises critical questions about cooperation and coexistence on a global scale as countries grapple with the implications of technology-driven rivalry. As we navigate this intricate web of international relations and economic policies, the balance between global interconnectedness and national interests continues to tilt, leaving the future uncertain.

In sum, the interplay between AI and globalization is complex and multifaceted. While AI has flourished under the umbrella of global cooperation, its emergence and the resulting competition between superpowers like the U.S. and China could herald an era of de-globalization. Understanding these dynamics is crucial, as it reflects broader implications for international relations, trade, and technological progress moving forward.

Original Source: moderndiplomacy.eu