e are at an inflection point at which free nations can lead, or we can lose the advantages of the tech revolution, which was developed under free markets and free people in the United States and allied nations.
AI provides the most significant chance to drive massive economic growth, achieve groundbreaking scientific discoveries, and change how we work and learn. But with opportunities come risks—not the kind that demands government restraints, but the kind that requires the flexibility and investment to create a world that adapts more responsively to our needs and challenges.
The question isn’t whether AI should move forward—it’s how we make sure it works to support freedom and democratic ideals. The internet, computers, and even the printing press were once seen as threats. Yet every time, those who embraced innovation won. AI is no different.
To get the most out of AI, we need to accelerate investment, not drive ourselves into endless bureaucratic conversations. AI can revolutionize industries—improving healthcare, speeding up research, boosting productivity, and strengthening national security. The companies, countries, and people who integrate AI early will outpace those who hesitate.
At the same time, we must stay resilient against real dangers. But the risk isn’t AI itself—it’s who controls it. If the U.S. doesn’t lead, bad actors will. China, for example, is already using AI to track its citizens and control speech.
First, free societies must move fast and innovate rapidly by driving competition across pioneering companies of all sizes, ensuring the process will be secure and fair.
Second, we must use AI defensively—for cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and national security—before our rivals do. Third, we should avoid heavy–handed regulations that would put domestic AI development at a disadvantage against competitors in countries where bad actors don’t play by the rules.
We don’t need policies driven by fear. We need incentives for responsible AI use, strong intellectual property protections, and a mindset that values groundbreaking discoveries over red tape.
The future of AI isn’t something to fear—it’s something to build. The people who move fearlessly, embrace change, and out–innovate the competition will define the next chapter of progress.
That’s the choice in front of us. Move fast—or fall behind.
a global affairs media network
How we can win the future of AI
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Photo by Matt Palmer on Unsplash.
March 27, 2025
To win the AI future, free nations must lead with innovation, responsible use, and bold investment in democratic AI systems, writes Lisa Gable.
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e are at an inflection point at which free nations can lead, or we can lose the advantages of the tech revolution, which was developed under free markets and free people in the United States and allied nations.
AI provides the most significant chance to drive massive economic growth, achieve groundbreaking scientific discoveries, and change how we work and learn. But with opportunities come risks—not the kind that demands government restraints, but the kind that requires the flexibility and investment to create a world that adapts more responsively to our needs and challenges.
The question isn’t whether AI should move forward—it’s how we make sure it works to support freedom and democratic ideals. The internet, computers, and even the printing press were once seen as threats. Yet every time, those who embraced innovation won. AI is no different.
To get the most out of AI, we need to accelerate investment, not drive ourselves into endless bureaucratic conversations. AI can revolutionize industries—improving healthcare, speeding up research, boosting productivity, and strengthening national security. The companies, countries, and people who integrate AI early will outpace those who hesitate.
At the same time, we must stay resilient against real dangers. But the risk isn’t AI itself—it’s who controls it. If the U.S. doesn’t lead, bad actors will. China, for example, is already using AI to track its citizens and control speech.
First, free societies must move fast and innovate rapidly by driving competition across pioneering companies of all sizes, ensuring the process will be secure and fair.
Second, we must use AI defensively—for cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and national security—before our rivals do. Third, we should avoid heavy–handed regulations that would put domestic AI development at a disadvantage against competitors in countries where bad actors don’t play by the rules.
We don’t need policies driven by fear. We need incentives for responsible AI use, strong intellectual property protections, and a mindset that values groundbreaking discoveries over red tape.
The future of AI isn’t something to fear—it’s something to build. The people who move fearlessly, embrace change, and out–innovate the competition will define the next chapter of progress.
That’s the choice in front of us. Move fast—or fall behind.
