UPSC Notes

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance and Geopolitics

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

AI is a critical emerging technology with profound implications for governance, economy, national security, ethics, and international relations, making it a recurring theme in UPSC examinations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, decision-making, and understanding language. It is a rapidly advancing field with transformative potential across various sectors, including economy, national security, and international relations.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Transformative Potential

AI is poised to radically reshape the global economy and national security landscapes.

Key Risks

Concerns include the 'weaponisation' of AI, hacking risks, misalignment with human intent, and potential for systems to defy instructions.

Geopolitical Competition

AI development is influenced by great power rivalries (e.g., US-China competition), impacting access and proliferation.

International Cooperation

Forums like BRICS advocate for open-source AI communities and collaborative approaches to ensure equitable access and mitigate risks, especially for the Global South.

Reference table

International Approaches to AI Governance

Actor/GroupKey Stance/Approach
US GovernmentPrioritizes national competition, less emphasis on global slowdown despite developer calls.
BRICSAdvocates for an 'AI open source community' to challenge dominance and prevent weaponisation.
IndiaTakes a 'middle path,' underscoring the need to insulate AI development from national rivalries and focus on deployment.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaScience & Technology
Conceptual areaInternational Relations

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
BRICSForum for cooperation on ai
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • AI: Transformative tech with economic, security implications.
  • Key risks: weaponisation, hacking, misalignment.
  • Geopolitical divide: US-led competition vs. BRICS cooperation.
  • India's stance: middle path, insulate from rivalries.
  • Need for global collaboration for defensive capabilities and equitable access.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Science & TechnologyInternational Relations

AI cooperation: On Artificial Intelligence at a crossroads

16 Sep 2026 · AI is a transformative technology facing geopolitical competition and ethical challenges, necessitating international cooperation for responsible development, equitable access, and risk mitigation.

Read article

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance and Geopolitics in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance and Geopolitics

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

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