In the coming AI future, Britain must not end up at the mercy of US tech giants | Rafael Behr

2026-04-29 · Source: AI (artificial intelligence) | The Guardian · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, medium

Summary

Liz Kendall, the UK's science, innovation and technology secretary, visited IBM's London office in 2025, emphasizing that AI is the "currency of the future" and critical for economic, scientific, and military advantages. The UK faces a growing dependency on US tech giants, exacerbated by the US's increasing technological lead over Europe, driven by rivalry with China. This dependency is highlighted by the Trump administration's transactional approach to alliances and its potential to use technological power for political and economic coercion. Kendall advocates for cooperation among "middle powers" like European democracies, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Oceania to build a resilient digital ecosystem, contrasting with Peter Mandelson's earlier view of aligning with Washington. The article also notes the urgency of AI development, citing Anthropic's Mythos model's cybersecurity prowess and concerns over tech company ethics and their potential influence on global power dynamics.

Key takeaway

For policy makers assessing national security and economic strategy, the increasing asymmetry of technological power, particularly in AI, demands a proactive approach. You should prioritize diversifying digital infrastructure and fostering international cooperation with allied "middle powers" to mitigate dependency on dominant tech giants and safeguard national sovereignty against potential coercion.

Key insights

Technological asymmetry, particularly in AI, is reshaping global power dynamics and national sovereignty.

Principles

• AI is the "currency of the future."
• Tech dependency risks national sovereignty.

Method

Develop a resilient digital ecosystem through cooperation among "middle powers" to reduce reliance on a few dominant tech companies and balance the influence of major powers.

In practice

• Form strategic alliances with "middle powers."
• Invest in indigenous tech capabilities.

Topics

• AI Sovereignty
• Technological Dependency
• US Tech Giants
• Geopolitical Power Dynamics
• Middle Powers Alliance

Best for: Policy Maker, Executive, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI (artificial intelligence) | The Guardian.