The Dispatch Podcast Congress and Artificial Intelligence | Interview: Adam Thierer
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Sep 15, 2025 Adam Thierer, a senior fellow at the R Street Institute, dives into the fast-paced evolution of artificial intelligence and the sluggish response of regulation. He discusses the complexities of defining AI and the implications for global competition. The conversation touches on big tech's influence, job replacement fears, and the necessity for a cohesive regulatory framework. Thierer also highlights the ideological divides in the political landscape regarding technology and innovation, arguing for a balanced approach to ensure national competitiveness while fostering innovation.
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AI Is Hard To Define Legally
- Experts and lawmakers cannot agree on a single definition of AI, and many statutes already contain different definitions.
- AI's scope is so broad that precise legal definitions frequently lead to industry games and regulatory moats.
Cold War Comparisons Mislead
- Cold War analogies (Sputnik, nuclear deterrence) capture some geopolitical urgency but miss AI's multidimensional nature.
- AI is built on data and computation, so control strategies for radioactive materials don't directly apply.
Hardware Versus Code: Different Challenges
- Regulating hardware (chips, data centers) is seen as an easier choke point than regulating code or data.
- But both hardware and data present serious practical and policy challenges for enforcement and export control.
