Volume 4, issue 5, 2025
203
THE GEOPOLITICS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: COMPETITION, CONTROL,
AND ETHICS
Erkinjon Abdumalikov
Djizakh, Uzbekistan
Email:
Abstract:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal element in global strategic
competition, reshaping power dynamics among nations. This paper explores the geopolitical
ramifications of AI development and deployment, focusing on the rivalry between major powers,
governance challenges, and ethical concerns associated with unchecked AI proliferation. By
examining recent initiatives in the United States, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and
the European Union (EU), the study highlights strategic motivations behind AI investments. It
also explores responses from international institutions and the Global South in establishing
ethical AI norms. The paper argues that fostering global cooperation, inclusive governance, and
ethical commitments is essential to ensure AI contributes positively to international peace and
development.
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Geopolitics, Ethics, Global Governance, Strategic
Competition, AI Regulation
Introduction:
In the contemporary era, Artificial Intelligence has transitioned from a technological innovation
to a strategic asset influencing geopolitical landscapes. Nations worldwide recognize AI's
potential to enhance national security, economic prowess, and global influence. The intensifying
rivalry between global powers, notably the United States and China, has accelerated AI
advancements, prompting debates on ethical standards, digital sovereignty, and governance
frameworks. This paper investigates the global competition surrounding AI and its implications
for international relations, sovereignty, and collaborative efforts.
LiteratureReview:
Existing literature presents diverse perspectives on AI's geopolitical impact. Scholars like
Allison (2021) and Lee (2018) emphasise AI's role in economic dominance and military
superiority. Floridi et al. (2020) discuss governance challenges, highlighting the regulatory gap
between rapid innovation and control mechanisms. Ethical considerations, particularly
concerning surveillance, bias, and labour displacement, are addressed in reports by international
bodies such as the UN, OECD, and UNESCO. However, a comprehensive framework integrating
power dynamics and normative concerns remains underexplored.
TheoreticalFramework:
This study employs a multidisciplinary theoretical approach:
Realism:
Explains state behaviour in pursuing strategic advantages through AI
capabilities.
Liberal Institutionalism:
Highlights the role of global norms, laws, and cooperative
institutions in shaping AI governance.
Volume 4, issue 5, 2025
204
Constructivism:
Considers how ideas, values, and ethics influence national AI strategies
and policies.
These perspectives collectively provide a nuanced understanding of AI as both a tool for power
projection and a subject of ideological and ethical contestation.
Methodology:
A qualitative, case-based methodology underpins this research, utilizing:
Policy documents and AI strategies from the US, China, UAE, and EU.
Reports from institutions like the OECD, UN, and World Economic Forum.
Peer-reviewed academic literature.
Public statements and official partnerships, such as OpenAI’s collaboration with the UAE.
This approach facilitates the identification of patterns in state-driven AI development and
governance models.
Case Studies and Discussion:
1.
United States vs. China:
The US emphasizes private sector innovation, leveraging companies like OpenAI and Nvidia to
advance AI capabilities. Conversely, China adopts a state-led model, integrating AI into defense,
surveillance, and economic sectors. This dichotomy reflects broader geopolitical rivalries and
differing governance philosophies.
2.
Emerging Players – UAE and Saudi Arabia:
The UAE's Falcon model has demonstrated significant performance, benefiting from centralized
governance and substantial investments. Saudi Arabia's $10 billion investment in AI, aiming to
handle 7% of global AI workloads, raises concerns about governance and ethical oversight,
given the country's limited democratic frameworks.
3.
Ethical Governance and the Global South:
Emerging economies in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia are actively influencing AI
development and governance. These nations are setting regulatory precedents and contributing
diverse datasets, enhancing AI models' adaptability. China's expansion in these regions through
affordable AI solutions contrasts with the US and its allies' efforts to offer compelling
alternatives.
4.
The European Union's Role:
The EU's AI Act, effective from August 2, 2024, represents the world's first comprehensive legal
framework on AI, emphasizing human-centric and responsible development. While setting
global standards, the EU faces challenges in maintaining technological competitiveness amid
stringent regulations.
Conclusion:
AI is fundamentally reshaping geopolitical dynamics, influencing power relations and regulatory
landscapes. While strategic competition dominates the discourse, the imperative for inclusive
Volume 4, issue 5, 2025
205
and ethical governance is paramount. Avoiding a fragmented AI future necessitates fostering
international cooperation, safeguarding data sovereignty, and upholding universal values. The
trajectory of global stability hinges not only on leadership in AI but also on the principles
guiding its development and deployment.
References:
Allison, G. (2021). Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides’s Trap?
Mariner Books.
Floridi, L., et al. (2020). AI4People—An ethical framework for a good AI society:
Opportunities, risks, principles, and recommendations. Minds and Machines, 30(1), 1–14.
Lee, K. F. (2018). AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
OECD (2021). OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence.
United Nations (2023). Global Digital Compact Draft Report.
World Economic Forum (2024). Global AI Governance Roadmap.
OpenAI (2024). Partnership Strategy Report.
Chandrakumara, S. (2025). Letter: AI governance is only way to maintain our freedoms.
Financial Times.
Feakin, T. (2025). AI Geopolitics Beyond the US-China Rivalry. Aspen Digital.
Daly, K. (2025). The Geopolitics of AI Regulation. Yale Review of International Studies.
