n an era defined by polarization, algorithms often amplify extreme views on our screens and politicians appear locked in opposing camps. Yet, as with many complex challenges, progress in artificial intelligence (AI) policy depends on finding middle ground—cutting through the noise that divides us to focus on our shared goals.
Diplomacy teaches us that words matter, but successful negotiations often require looking beyond rhetoric to uncover real areas of agreement. When it comes to AI, building future–proofed policies and best practices based on shared goals is essential. We must resist the temptation to let the pursuit of perfection on either end of the political spectrum stall meaningful progress in AI standard–setting.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s recent remarks at the Paris AI Summit offers insights. While his "America–first" rhetoric and call for deregulation sparked controversy, his opposition to AI–facilitated censorship and emphasis on job creation through AI could serve as unifying themes. Vance's advocacy for a level playing field—where innovators of all sizes can thrive—further underscores opportunities for bipartisan collaboration on issues like preventing AI misuse and ensuring equitable access to its benefits.
The debate between safety and deregulation need not be a zero–sum game. A thriving AI ecosystem depends on healthy competition, which requires clear rules, consumer trust, and an environment that fosters innovation across the board. National security is another critical area where stakeholders can align. Policymakers across the spectrum recognize the transformative impact of AI on security and defense, making it a natural focal point for bipartisan action.
History reminds us that progress often comes from unexpected alliances. Policy logjams have been broken before when leaders prioritized shared goals over reductive partisan divides. While today’s political climate may highlight our differences—and those differences are real—it is more urgent than ever to create momentum in AI policymaking and standard–setting by focusing on the common ground that exists in between.
Polarization may be a challenge, but it is not insurmountable. The future of AI policy depends on our ability and willingness to work together—to create momentum through points of consensus. By centering on shared goals, we can ensure that AI policies and standards do not fall further behind the pace of innovation.
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Build momentum from the middle to find common ground on AI
Photo by Matt Seymour on Unsplash.
March 28, 2025
In a polarized world, AI policy progress depends on shared goals and bipartisan cooperation to build smart, inclusive standards, writes Stacey Rolland.
I
n an era defined by polarization, algorithms often amplify extreme views on our screens and politicians appear locked in opposing camps. Yet, as with many complex challenges, progress in artificial intelligence (AI) policy depends on finding middle ground—cutting through the noise that divides us to focus on our shared goals.
Diplomacy teaches us that words matter, but successful negotiations often require looking beyond rhetoric to uncover real areas of agreement. When it comes to AI, building future–proofed policies and best practices based on shared goals is essential. We must resist the temptation to let the pursuit of perfection on either end of the political spectrum stall meaningful progress in AI standard–setting.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s recent remarks at the Paris AI Summit offers insights. While his "America–first" rhetoric and call for deregulation sparked controversy, his opposition to AI–facilitated censorship and emphasis on job creation through AI could serve as unifying themes. Vance's advocacy for a level playing field—where innovators of all sizes can thrive—further underscores opportunities for bipartisan collaboration on issues like preventing AI misuse and ensuring equitable access to its benefits.
The debate between safety and deregulation need not be a zero–sum game. A thriving AI ecosystem depends on healthy competition, which requires clear rules, consumer trust, and an environment that fosters innovation across the board. National security is another critical area where stakeholders can align. Policymakers across the spectrum recognize the transformative impact of AI on security and defense, making it a natural focal point for bipartisan action.
History reminds us that progress often comes from unexpected alliances. Policy logjams have been broken before when leaders prioritized shared goals over reductive partisan divides. While today’s political climate may highlight our differences—and those differences are real—it is more urgent than ever to create momentum in AI policymaking and standard–setting by focusing on the common ground that exists in between.
Polarization may be a challenge, but it is not insurmountable. The future of AI policy depends on our ability and willingness to work together—to create momentum through points of consensus. By centering on shared goals, we can ensure that AI policies and standards do not fall further behind the pace of innovation.
