The idea of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been engrained in the human imagination for centuries. Since the 1950s, the study, application, and the unbound potential of AI in different sectors and ecosystems has steadily grown. This growth and all-encompassing presence (whether real or imagined) invokes fear and excitement that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries. As public and private sector groups at national and international levels race to harness the full potential of AI, global disparities in knowledge and awareness, biases in sources and datasets, and ethical concerns have come to the forefront. Through AI in Global Perspectives series, the International and Area Studies Library seeks to engage with scholars and specialists based in different world regions and disciplines through informal discussions. It is the goal of this series to invite the broader public to participate in these discussions. Each installment of this series will feature panelists, a demonstration of AI application in practical terms, and be followed by robust discussion.
Upcoming Events
February 18, 2025, noon
Location: Zoom: (REGISTRATION COMING SOON)
Sponsored by: the Center for Global Studies, International and Area Studies Library
Global Governance of AI: Political and Ethical Challenges Across National, Regional, and International Approaches
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming societies worldwide, raising urgent questions about governance at national, regional, and international levels. This panel brings together leading experts to examine the political and ethical challenges of AI governance and explore how frameworks at different levels can balance innovation, security, and equity.
Focusing on perspectives from the Global South and the broader global political economy, the discussion will delve into critical topics such as:
- How national strategies align with regional and global frameworks.
- The role of ethical governance in addressing issues from security to economic development.
- How marginalized communities are impacted by algorithmic bias, datafication, and technological sovereignty.
The session will not only assess governance frameworks but also examine the ends of governance—how AI can be ethically and effectively used to advance development, security, and social equity. This discussion is essential for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners aiming to shape a more inclusive and just AI-driven future.
Panelists
Dr. Allison Stanger, Professor at Middlebury College
Global political economy, governance, and international relations. Focuses on the influence of geopolitical dynamics and multilateral institutions on global AI governance.
Dr. Thallita G. L. Lima, Research Coordinator, O Panóptico Project, Centro de Estudos de Segurança e Cidadania (CESeC), Brazil
Expert in AI governance in the Global South, particularly Latin America. Concentrates on regional frameworks for AI governance with an emphasis on security, technological sovereignty, and economic inequality.
Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo, Fellow, Center for Technology Innovation, The Brookings Institution
Specializes in human-centered AI governance, AI literacy, and data economies in the Global South. Explores African governments’ approaches to AI governance, addressing algorithmic marginalization, and enabling ethical AI for development and security.
- April – Perspectives on AI from Africa: Atoma Batoma
Past Events
AI in Global Perspectives Discussion, October 2, 2024
This informal virtual discussion took place on October 2, 2024 at 9am Central Time. It featured Mohamed Khalifa (Director of Studies and Associate Dean, College of Health Sciences, Education Centre of Australia), Aleksandra Vučković (Professor, Neurotechnologies & Rehabilitation – Biomedical Engineering, University of Glasgow), Vlasta Sikimić (Assistant Professor – Philosophy & Ethics Group, Eindhoven University of Technology), Anna Isaksson (Associate Professor, Sociology, Halmstad University), and Chris Tidrick (CIO & Senior Director – Gies College of Business, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign).