ForeCast [Article] Intelsat as a Model for International AGI Governance
Sep 7, 2025
Explore how Intelsat could serve as a blueprint for international cooperation in regulating Artificial General Intelligence. The discussion contrasts its historical successes with challenges faced during the Cold War. Delve into the evolution of global satellite governance and how key agreements shaped the balance of power. Finally, discover the implications of these historical insights for future multilateral AGI frameworks, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among nations for technological advancement.
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Intelsat As A Governance Template
- Intelsat is presented as a viable historical model for international AGI governance alongside Manhattan Project or CERN analogies.
- It argues multilateral projects can balance US interests with meaningful international involvement.
US-Led COMSAT And Rapid Setup
- The US created COMSAT in 1962 to lead an international satellite system and recruited allies via interim agreements in 1964.
- Intelsat achieved global coverage by 1969 and later negotiated Definitive Agreements in 1973.
Commercial Tech With Strategic Payoff
- Early Intelsat balanced commercial aims and strategic (soft-power) objectives to achieve rapid global adoption.
- It maintained near-monopoly control for years, delivering influence and coverage quickly.