The United States Must Lead in AI

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly central to global industries, national security, and geopolitical power dynamics, the recent call by the United Nations for a global AI governance framework, outlined in its "Governing AI for Humanity" report, underscores the need for cooperation. However, while international collaboration is valuable, the United States must maintain its leadership position in AI development and governance. AI is too important a technology to entrust entirely to global bodies where competing interests, particularly from authoritarian regimes, may dilute the commitment to democratic values, privacy, and individual rights. U.S. leadership is essential to guiding AI’s future responsibly and ethically.

The U.S. and the UN: Different Approaches

The UN plays a crucial role in facilitating global dialogue on AI, and its efforts to promote responsible AI governance are commendable. However, given AI's complexities and far-reaching implications, leadership in this space requires more than just discussion—it demands innovation, infrastructure, and ethical frameworks that align with democratic values. The UN's track record in delivering tangible, enforceable governance is mixed at best. The bureaucracy and inefficiency within the organization, coupled with the influence of states prioritizing state control over individual freedoms. The risk is that any global regulatory framework designed by the UN could be shaped by authoritarian regimes with vastly different values—countries like China, Iran and Russia, which have demonstrated their use of AI for surveillance and control.

In contrast, the United States, with its proven commitment to democratic governance and innovation, is far better positioned to lead the world in shaping AI’s future. The U.S. is home to the world’s leading tech companies, has a robust private sector investing heavily in AI, and operates under a regulatory framework that promotes innovation while safeguarding individual rights. The U.S. is uniquely positioned to lead in this regard, both as the world’s largest innovator in AI technology and as a country with deep commitments to transparency and accountability.

As Palantir CEO Alex Karp has pointed out, “These, at the margin, are technologies that can and should be used in the West to defend the West,” referencing how AI has already played a critical role in conflicts like Ukraine and Israel. His stance reinforces the idea that democratic nations, particularly the U.S., must guide AI’s future—not only for economic growth but to safeguard security and freedom.

Why U.S. Leadership in AI Matters

AI is rapidly becoming the defining technology of the 21st century, and it will profoundly influence global power structures, national defense, and economic competitiveness. For the U.S., maintaining leadership in AI is not just about innovation—it’s about ensuring that this transformative technology is used to advance freedom, security, and human rights. Authoritarian regimes such as China and Russia have leveraged AI for state control and surveillance. Karp’s assertion that “It’s either: we own AI, or our adversaries own AI” underscores the urgency of U.S. leadership. Eric Schmidt says the US is 2-3 years ahead of China at AI, while Europe is too busy regulating to be relevant. The U.S. must steer AI’s development to ensure it aligns with the values of democracy, transparency, and global stability.

Government: AI as a Strategic Priority

The U.S. government’s significant investments in AI, particularly in the defense sector, highlight the importance of AI for national security. With a growing number of AI-related defense contracts, the government is prioritizing AI technologies that will protect the U.S. and advance its military capabilities. This investment demonstrates a clear recognition of AI's role in ensuring economic competitiveness, national defense, and technological superiority. Karp’s vision of AI as a strategic asset for defense further amplifies the necessity of the U.S. investing in and leading AI to protect the interests of democratic nations.

Private Sector Commitment

Setting the Bar for Investments, Accenture, and PwC have committed billions to scale AI capabilities, and partnerships like the one between BlackRock and Microsoft, with over $30 billion invested in AI infrastructure, underscore the private sector's belief in AI’s future potential. This level of investment sets a new standard for AI development and infrastructure, from data centers to energy solutions, positioning the U.S. as the global leader in this critical technology.

Alex Karp has been vocal about the need for U.S. companies to remain focused on the long-term implications of AI. He has warned against U.S. tech firms working with adversarial nations, stating, “You cannot work in America and with their adversaries. And if you do, we’re going to screw you.” This sentiment highlights the delicate balance of fostering innovation while ensuring national security is not compromised. This stance underscores the U.S.’s responsibility to maintain leadership and integrity in AI development.

U.S. Dominance in AI Investment

The U.S. remains the global leader in AI investment, with private sector funding for AI reportedly nearly nine times greater than China’s in 2023. While global investment in AI continues to rise, particularly in generative AI, the U.S. leads by a significant margin. The U.S. AI market, which reached $87 billion in 2023, is fueled by investments across multiple industries, with the generative AI segment alone valued at $16 billion. These investments highlight the pivotal role AI plays in the U.S. economy and underscore the importance of maintaining leadership in both innovation and governance.

AI’s Expanding Reach

While global investment in AI is increasing rapidly, the U.S. continues to set the pace. Generative AI, in particular, saw a near ninefold increase in investment in 2023, reflecting its growing importance on the global stage. The trend suggests that AI’s role in shaping industries and economies will only grow. U.S. leadership is essential in ensuring that this growth benefits both the domestic and global economy. As Alex Karp pointed out, “On the battlefield, it really will be us or them. We have to dominate and then set a rule of law,” reflecting the broader geopolitical implications of AI leadership.

Regulatory Leadership: The U.S. Approach

The U.S. is leading in AI investment and shaping the regulatory frameworks that will govern AI’s development and deployment. Executive Order 14110 demonstrates the U.S. government’s commitment to fostering responsible AI development while managing the risks associated with this powerful technology. By defining ethical AI practices and implementing export controls on critical technologies like semiconductors, the U.S. sets the global standard for responsible AI governance, ensuring that innovation can continue while safeguarding security and ethical considerations.

Public-Private Partnerships: Driving Innovation Together

The close collaboration between the government, private companies, and academic institutions amplifies the strength of the U.S. AI ecosystem. Partnerships between tech giants and firms like Accenture and PwC are advancing the frontiers of AI innovation, demonstrating that the U.S. is not just investing in AI but actively working to push the technological boundaries that will define the future. Alex Karp’s calls for strategic use of AI to defend democratic interests highlight the need for these collaborations to be rooted in ethical governance and long-term security considerations.

Strategic Export Controls: Maintaining Technological Superiority

The U.S. government’s decision to implement strategic export controls on AI-related technologies, particularly semiconductors, is a critical part of ensuring that the U.S. retains its technological superiority. By limiting the ability of adversarial nations like China to access cutting-edge technologies, the U.S. is safeguarding its leadership in AI development. These export controls not only protect U.S. companies but also reinforce the importance of maintaining leadership in critical technologies that underpin AI’s future.

U.S. Leadership in AI is Essential

While the UN’s efforts to foster global dialogue on AI governance are important, the U.S. must remain the leader in setting the rules and standards for AI development. The combination of technological expertise, private sector innovation, and strong democratic values uniquely positions the U.S. to guide AI’s future responsibly. As Alex Karp has consistently emphasized, U.S. leadership in AI is not just about economic or technological dominance—it’s about ensuring that AI serves the interests of freedom, security, and democracy.

The stakes in AI are too high to leave its governance to bodies that may not fully reflect the values of transparency, freedom, and innovation. The U.S. must continue to lead, invest, and innovate to shape a future where AI benefits humanity and ensures global stability. By guiding the development and use of AI, the U.S. can help create a world where AI is used ethically, responsibly, and for the good of all.