(Good morning/afternoon, everyone.) Welcome to Panel IV: Artificial Intelligence and Digital Sovereignty. Today, we have a distinguished group of experts joining us to delve into one of the most pressing and complex issues of our time: how the rise of artificial intelligence intersects with the concept of digital sovereignty. As AI rapidly reshapes our economies, societies, and even our daily lives, questions about who controls these technologies, where data resides, and how national interests are protected in the digital realm become paramount.
I’m honored to introduce our panelists:
- Elena Zinovieva: A leading voice on international relations and technological governance.
- Kambale Musavuli: An advocate for equitable technology access and development in the Global South.
- Sergio Amadeu: An expert on digital rights, privacy, and the democratization of technology.
- Zheng Ge: A scholar focusing on AI development, cybersecurity, and geopolitical implications.
Each of our panelists brings a unique perspective to this discussion, and I’m eager to hear their insights. Let’s begin by exploring the core tensions and opportunities presented by AI in the context of digital sovereignty.
Elena Zinovieva: The Geopolitical Chessboard of AI
(Thank you. It’s a pleasure to be here.)
My focus today is on the geopolitical dimensions of AI and digital sovereignty. We are witnessing a new great game, where technological leadership, particularly in AI, is becoming a primary determinant of global power. Digital sovereignty, in this context, isn’t just about protecting national data; it’s about safeguarding national security, economic competitiveness, and even cultural autonomy in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Consider the race for AI supremacy. Nations are investing heavily in research and development, seeking to lead in areas like advanced algorithms, quantum computing, and autonomous systems. This competition raises critical questions:
- Who owns the foundational AI models?
- Where are the vast datasets that train these models located and controlled?
- How do national regulations intersect with the global, borderless nature of AI development and deployment?
The implications for international relations are profound. We see debates around data localization, the weaponization of AI, and the potential for technological dependencies that could undermine national autonomy. For many states, achieving digital sovereignty means developing indigenous AI capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign tech giants, and establishing robust legal frameworks to govern AI within their borders.
However, a purely nationalistic approach risks fragmentation and stifling innovation. The challenge lies in finding a balance: asserting national control where necessary, while also fostering international cooperation on AI ethics, safety, and responsible development. This is a complex dance, but one that will define the geopolitical landscape for decades to come.
