This policy paper explores AI's potential for fostering international cooperation, highlighting opportunities in agriculture, education, cybersecurity, healthcare, and the environment to address global challenges.
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms from an emerging technology into a defining force in international relations, policymakers face a critical choice as AI evolves: either allow its development to accelerate global fragmentation or create practical pathways for international cooperation.
This Policy Paper, based on an analysis of 714 international policy documents from organisations such as the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), identifies opportunities for transforming strategic competition in AI into productive collaboration.
Key findings
Beyond competition
The zero-sum view of AI development risks stifling innovation and destabilising international relations. Traditional policy approaches are increasingly failing to gain traction as AI technology advances rapidly. Instead, domain-specific cooperation offers practical pathways for progress while respecting national interests.
Institutional complementarity
Our analysis across major international organizations reveals a natural alignment in regulatory approaches. These frameworks offer complementary solutions for diplomatic engagement in specific domains, creating immediate opportunities for practical cooperation through existing mechanisms.
Priority domains
We identify five strategic areas where cooperation can deliver clear benefits while minimizing security concerns:
- Agricultural development: tackling food security and promoting growth.
- Educational technology: enhancing learning while respecting sovereignty.
- Cybersecurity: turning shared vulnerabilities into collaboration.
- Environmental monitoring: addressing global climate challenges.
- Healthcare innovation: combining technological advancement with universal access.
These areas provide immediate opportunities for both domestic and international progress, as detailed in our evidence-based policy paper.
Pathways for action
- Institutional alignment: leverage existing frameworks for rapid implementation.
- Strategic benefits: maintain autonomy while advancing shared interests.
- Risk mitigation: address security concerns and balance innovation through established frameworks.
The growing complexity of AI challenges calls for sophisticated international cooperation. Nations with technical expertise, balanced governance, and diplomatic networks can serve as honest brokers, transforming AI from a source of tension into a catalyst for stability, ensuring both innovation and international prosperity.
Report: Moving beyond competition: domain-specific approach for international AI framework
News release: Global opportunities for AI policy in 2025 – new report outlines areas ripe for progress and collaboration
