The future of US global leadership depends on more than military power or economic control. It is also a battle for the hearts and hearts of people all over the world. In short, soft power is important.
Foreign aid funding together with us is frozen Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently the administrator of USAID. Washington is reassessing its role on the world stage. The results could shape the foundation for US foreign aid.
We have bipartisan and urgent recommendations for Beltway policymakers. Artificial intelligence must become a pillar of US foreign aid.
AI is transforming industry, education, commerce and security around the world. However, AI expertise remains Concentrated in some rich states' handsI'm leaving Developing countries Deficiencies. The US has opportunities and strategic orders to fill this gap.
AI can help disaster preparedness, streamline humanitarian responses, and help governments predict and mitigate risks. It can promote economic growth, improve public safety, and strengthen governance. AI is a multiplier of force and provides the best return on investment for US global engagement.
The US is well suited to lead AI-led foreign aid. Without shifting sensitive technology, Washington can help its allies create regulations for AI, train government officials, and share best practices for integrating AI into government administration.
The US government already has it AI has been deployed In countless ways – from supply chain optimization to fraud detection. These lessons are invaluable to partner countries looking to modernize civic services.
The advantage is not just external. AI can also increase the efficiency of US foreign aid itself, automate internal processes, identify wasteful spending, and improve Congressional oversight.
Beyond governance and development, AI is a strategic asset in the global competition for influence. The US AI Industry is projected to createTrillions of investmentBy the end of the decade, the network effects are thriving. The more global users adopt American platforms, the stronger these platforms become. By expanding the adoption of AI overseas, the US can also form global AI standards and regulations.
Soft power remains a less-than-secret weapon in the United States. 2023 Gallup survey It turns out that the US still enjoys the soft power edge of the People's Republic of China in 81 countries. However, the edges may be eroded. Hollywood, once a dominant force in cultural diplomacy, is waning in its influence. Seven of the top 10 Chinese box office revenue in 2012 were Hollywood productions, and by 2023 Hollywood productions were not cut by US films.
In this changing landscape, the remaining US cultural ambassadors are university and technology giants. Silicon Valley – home to Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft and Openai – still captivates the global imagination. Partnering with these companies to train young professionals overseas will help solidify our influence over the next few decades.
AI is more than just a tool, it's a value provider. Algorithms form a recognition, belief, decision, and even moral framework. The jewel of the Chinese soft power crown, Tiktok influences the world's audience through its subtle algorithmic nidge. However, AI is moving further. Not only does it expose users to content, it also actively generates answers to questions.
The US needs to ensure that AI technology, built on the principles of transparency, accountability and innovation, dominates the global market. If Washington fails to act, the crown of AI leadership could pass through Beijing.
China understands the strategic importance of AI tools and policies. Over the past decade, Beijing has been poured Over 1 trillion dollars We expanded our infrastructure and digital footprint to 150 countries to the Belt and Road Initiative. AI is now built into the initiative ecosystem, backed by China's state-run technology giants.
China is good at hardware, but the US continues to dominate software. Until recently, Beijing's AI efforts were largely domestic, with exceptions like Tiktok. However, the launch of China's large-scale AI model, Deepseek, shows a quantum shift. India is traditionally wary of Chinese apps He expressed his interest in Deepseek. If the US does not assert overseas AI leadership, China fills the blanks.
Rubio outlined it A clear litmus test For our foreign aid: it must make the United States safer, stronger and more prosperous. AI checks all three boxes. It increases global stability, promotes economic growth, and ensures that the United States, not China, sets 21st century digital engagement rules.
In a world that is increasingly shaped by AI, the United States must make it the cornerstone of foreign aid. AI is the key to gaining friends and influence countries in the 21st century.
James Cooper is a law professor at the California Western School of Law in San Diego and founder of CFA Kashyap Kompella. RPA2AI ResearchAI analyst company. Their latest bestselling books teeth Title: “A Short and Happy Guide to Artificial Intelligence for Lawyers.”
