AI policy and the battle for computing power

2026-03-10 · Source: Practical AI · Field: Government & Public Sector — Public Policy & Governance, International Relations & Diplomacy, Public Safety & Security · Depth: Intermediate, extended

Summary

Ben Buchanan, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins SAIS and former White House Special Advisor for AI, discusses the intersection of AI policy, geopolitics, and international cooperation. He highlights that AI is the first revolutionary technology in a century to originate primarily from the private sector, posing unique challenges for government oversight and understanding. Buchanan emphasizes the strategic importance of computing power, particularly advanced semiconductor manufacturing, with 97% of advanced chips produced by TSMC in Taiwan. He argues that democracies hold a significant advantage in the computing supply chain, which the Biden administration leveraged through export controls to prevent nations like China from modernizing their military or surveillance capabilities. The discussion also covers the need for policymakers to understand AI's geopolitical implications, the balance between speed and safety in AI development, and the critical role of international cooperation in establishing AI governance norms.

Key takeaway

For CTOs and VPs of Engineering navigating global AI strategy, recognize that control over advanced computing power, particularly semiconductor manufacturing, is a critical national security and economic advantage. Your strategic decisions should account for geopolitical dynamics influencing chip access and supply chains, prioritizing partnerships with democratic allies to ensure long-term access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure and to shape responsible AI development and governance.

Key insights

AI's private sector origins and computing power centrality reshape geopolitics, demanding democratic leadership and international governance.

Principles

• Computing power, not data, is the primary driver of AI progress.
• AI safety and trust enable greater AI opportunity and adoption.
• International cooperation is crucial for establishing global AI norms.

Method

Policymakers must understand AI's technical realities and geopolitical implications, then implement targeted controls on critical components like advanced semiconductors to secure democratic advantage and guide technology development.

In practice

• Focus on securing the computing supply chain.
• Prioritize AI safety to foster trust and adoption.
• Engage in international dialogues for AI governance.

Topics

• AI Geopolitics
• AI Governance
• Semiconductor Supply Chain
• AI Safety
• Cyber Operations

Best for: Investor, CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Policy Maker, AI Ethicist, Executive

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Practical AI.