

AI and the Rise and Fall of Great Powers
Aug 28, 2024
Jeffrey Ding, a leading US scholar on China’s AI from George Washington University and author of "Technology and the Rise of Great Powers," discusses the pivotal role of general-purpose technologies in shaping global power dynamics. He emphasizes that while innovation is crucial, the true test lies in diffusion capacity. Historical examples from the UK and Soviet Union illustrate the challenges of adopting new technologies. Ding also explores how decentralized systems contributed to America's Cold War success and warns against complacency in US-China tech competition.
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Economic Power Fungibility
- Economic power is the most fungible aspect of national power.
- It can be converted into military strength or soft power influence.
Long-Term Growth Drivers
- Long-term economic growth depends on productivity growth, not short-term policy tweaks.
- Sustained productivity growth is key for nations to escape the middle-income trap.
Great Power Characteristics
- Great powers possess both large and efficient economies, enabling sustained growth.
- Technological advancements cause shifts in economic power and the rise and fall of nations.