Power, Control & Geopolitics

Artificial Intelligence and Soft Power: How Algorithms Shape Culture, Values, and Influence

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Soft power has evolved from cultural influence through media to the pervasive role of artificial intelligence, which filters and shapes perceptions rather than forcing persuasion. Algorithms serve as cultural gatekeepers, determining what is relevant or accepted. This shift creates silent biases and reinforces existing beliefs, posing new challenges for cultural sovereignty, particularly for the Global South.

AI Colonialism: Who Trains the Models — and Who Pays the Price?

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The content discusses how colonialism has evolved into “AI colonialism,” where data, attention, and cognitive labor are extracted from global populations, particularly in the Global South, benefiting wealthier countries and corporations. It highlights the structural inequalities, cultural biases, and dependency created by modern AI systems, urging for local infrastructure and genuine empowerment.

Who Controls AI Models — Governments, Corporations, or No One?

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The evolution of control in technology has shifted from governments to corporations, especially regarding AI. While many believe that coding determines control, true power lies in resources like data, compute, and talent. This situation creates a governance vacuum, as responsibility diffuses among stakeholders, leaving AI systems influenced but not controlled by any single entity, raising concerns about accountability and civilizational impact.

AI and the New Arms Race

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The AI arms race differs from traditional military competitions due to its secrecy and the fact that major advancements occur in private sectors. Nations, particularly the US and China, prioritize AI for military and economic advantage. This race creates strategic vulnerabilities, blurs the lines between civilian and military technology, and raises ethical concerns about accountability and control over AI-driven decisions.