On December 1, 2023, the Institute of International and Strategic Studies (IISS), Peking University (PKU) hosted the lecture series under the 70th North Pavilion Seminar. Ian Bremmer, President and Founder of the Eurasia Group, delivered a lecture titled "Techno-prudentialism: A New Initiative to Govern Artificial Intelligence" and engaged in discussions with the faculty and students present at the lecture. The lecture was chaired by Gui Yongtao, Vice President of IISS and Associate Dean of the School of International Studies (SIS), PKU.

Dr. Ian Bremmer began his speech by introducing the era context of the governance of artificial intelligence (AI). He believes that the world is entering an era where multiple different orders coexist. Among them, in terms of the digital order, it is not governments that are dominant, but rather the creators of platforms and rules, that is, the technology companies. As technology develops and evolves, some new technologies no longer empower individuals, but instead empower centralized organizations such as technology companies.

Then Dr. Bremmer noted that the application of AI can create enormous wealth by enhancing efficiency, but it will also bring significant negative externalities. He expressed particular concern about two issues: first, a large number of white-collar workers will soon be replaced by AI; second, the problem of AI-generated false information. In his opinion, unlike the progress made in addressing climate change, governments are already too late to establish effective systems to reduce AI’s negative externalities.

In conclusion, Dr. Bremmer mentioned two severe challenges in AI governance. First, it is hard to judge what kind of political and economic systems will benefit from AI in the future. If the impact of AI on the distribution of existing benefits cannot be addressed through effective governance, geopolitical conflicts might arise, a problem that has not yet received sufficient attention. Second, the unconstrained AI is already interacting and forming relationships with humans, which will potentially shape humanity over time. Therefore, he suggests prohibiting AI from interacting with minors under the age of 16 without supervision. He also hopes that the "Track 1.5" dialogue on AI between China and the United States can positively contribute to the governance of AI.

During the Q&A session, Dr. Bremmer discussed and exchanged views with the faculty and students present at the lectureon several topics, including the regulation of the information technology sector by China and the United States, the impact of AI on education, governance of AI at the international level, and how developing countries can participate in AI governance. (Contributed by Chen Danmei)

Editor: Li Fangqi Photographer: Zheng Peijie