Despite the slightly terrifying implications of the breakdown in unity between America and the rest of the NATO alliance from a security perspective—I think it also offers a really promising opportunity r.e. shifting global AI development and governance towards a safer path in some scenarios.
Right now US and China have adopted a ‘race’ dynamic...needless to say this is hugely dangerous and really raises the risk of irresponsible practices and critical errors as we enter the critical phase towards AGI from both AI super-powers. The rupture of UK/EU from US over Greenland/tariffs has led to immediate warming with China (PM Starmer just left Beijing and now there’s visa free travel to China for UK citizens and talk of strategic partnerships). Prior to this point there was little reason for China to head any warning from middle powers over AI safety—they were on ‘the other side’ of the race/struggle for global influence. That strategic image has shifted dramatically.
With warming relations with China there’s possibility for rigorous UK/EU advocacy combined with effective AI policy that focuses more on caution/preparedness for AI response over pure-play race to the finish. So far the Track 1 talks between China and US have yielded limited results—trust remains low and neither side wants to show weakness. If these macro-strategic changes in UK/EU relations with China offer possibility of a route towards influencing their perspective on AI risk maybe it could yield some positive results? Adherence to a multilateral AI safety regime? (perhaps a bit too optimistic?)...but if this can offer an opportunity to China shifting even somewhat to the cautionary side it could open up room for more effective cooperative actions globally, including with the US, and shifting us somewhat from the full steam ahead path we’re currently on.
Am I wrong to view any sort of optimism for how this could impact the AI governance space? Considering writing a more fleshed out piece on the topic.
Despite the slightly terrifying implications of the breakdown in unity between America and the rest of the NATO alliance from a security perspective—I think it also offers a really promising opportunity r.e. shifting global AI development and governance towards a safer path in some scenarios.
Right now US and China have adopted a ‘race’ dynamic...needless to say this is hugely dangerous and really raises the risk of irresponsible practices and critical errors as we enter the critical phase towards AGI from both AI super-powers. The rupture of UK/EU from US over Greenland/tariffs has led to immediate warming with China (PM Starmer just left Beijing and now there’s visa free travel to China for UK citizens and talk of strategic partnerships). Prior to this point there was little reason for China to head any warning from middle powers over AI safety—they were on ‘the other side’ of the race/struggle for global influence. That strategic image has shifted dramatically.
With warming relations with China there’s possibility for rigorous UK/EU advocacy combined with effective AI policy that focuses more on caution/preparedness for AI response over pure-play race to the finish. So far the Track 1 talks between China and US have yielded limited results—trust remains low and neither side wants to show weakness. If these macro-strategic changes in UK/EU relations with China offer possibility of a route towards influencing their perspective on AI risk maybe it could yield some positive results? Adherence to a multilateral AI safety regime? (perhaps a bit too optimistic?)...but if this can offer an opportunity to China shifting even somewhat to the cautionary side it could open up room for more effective cooperative actions globally, including with the US, and shifting us somewhat from the full steam ahead path we’re currently on.
Am I wrong to view any sort of optimism for how this could impact the AI governance space? Considering writing a more fleshed out piece on the topic.