India & geopolitics of Al
- Discussions on the geopolitics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) draw parallels with the nuclear experience, prompting reflections on India's nuclear history.
- Despite the differences, the lessons learned from managing nuclear challenges can inform strategies for addressing the risks and opportunities posed by AI.
Similarities with Nuclear Age
- The nuclear revolution, marked by atomic bombs in 1945, prompted efforts to limit threats to humanity's survival.
- Similarly, the AI revolution poses a potentially transformative impact on the economy, society and polity.
- The challenges include managing geopolitical rivalry, creating norms and establishing institutions to govern AI use.
- As in the nuclear age, there is a call for a ban on military uses of AI or at least a “freeze” on research and development until there is a better assessment of the technology.
US-China Dominance
- The US and China dominate discussions on AI, akin to the superpowers in the nuclear era. Agreements between the US and China on AI are crucial for managing the technological revolution, despite competition.
- Both countries are actively developing military uses of AI.
International Norms and Agreements
- There are proposals for international norms to manage the potential negative consequences of the AI revolution.
- The suggestion of an "International Agency for Artificial Intelligence" mirrors the International Atomic Energy Agency for nuclear energy regulation.
- The US focuses on building "like-minded coalitions," such as the Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) to discuss AI development and its effects.
India's Lessons from Nuclear History
- Disarmament Idealism
- India should avoid disarmament idealism, as seen in its nuclear history, and recognize the urgency of addressing AI challenges.
- Unlike the nuclear domain, India can't afford to delay action in the AI realm.
- Partnership with the US
- Building on current momentum, partnership with the US on AI and emerging technologies is crucial.
- India's historical cooperation with the US faced setbacks due to political hesitations.
- A proactive approach is necessary to raise India’s position in the global AI hierarchy.
- Avoiding Exceptionalism
- India must resist the temptation to proclaim exceptionalism and pursue a "third way" in technological development.
- Learning from past mistakes, a collaborative approach, especially involving the private sector, is essential for strong domestic AI capabilities.
Conclusion
- As India hosts the GPAI summit, it should leverage its nuclear history lessons to navigate the challenges of the AI revolution.
- Recognizing the need for swift action, strengthening partnerships and avoiding exceptionalism are key elements in shaping India's role in the global AI landscape.