Foreign Policy Live
The Geopolitics of AI
Apr 11, 2025
Jared Cohen, president of global affairs at Goldman Sachs and a thought leader on AI's geopolitical landscape, dives into the fierce competition for dominance in the AI economy. He underscores the role of 'geopolitical swing states' in global power dynamics. The conversation explores vulnerabilities in AI infrastructure, including critical mineral supply chains and semiconductor demands, and the Middle East's potential as a major player in meeting energy needs for data centers. Cohen emphasizes the complex interplay between technology, resources, and global politics.
38:30
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Quick takeaways
- The concentration of key AI infrastructure components creates geopolitical choke points that heighten vulnerabilities and necessitate strategic management.
- Tariffs significantly impact the AI value chain, particularly semiconductor imports, leading to costly supply chain adjustments and broader economic repercussions.
Deep dives
The Geopolitical Choke Points of AI
Geopolitical choke points refer to critical components in AI infrastructure that could become points of vulnerability due to leur concentration among specific suppliers or countries. The complex web of supply chains supporting AI includes various elements such as chips, data centers, and energy sources, all of which are essential for the seamless operation of AI technologies. For instance, a single failure in a key component, such as a semiconductor or specific data center hardware, could lead to cascading bottlenecks that disrupt large-scale operations. This intricate interdependence highlights the need for strategic considerations in managing these choke points to avoid geopolitical conflicts.
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