Middle East AI offshoring risks

A potential AI collaboration between the US and the Middle East, driven by resource availability in the Gulf states, carries the risk of inadvertently benefiting China. While the aim is to bolster America's AI capabilities, there's no certainty that Middle Eastern nations will remain exclusively aligned with US interests. This creates an opportunity for China to indirectly access and leverage advancements made through this collaboration.

The US should proceed cautiously, considering the geopolitical implications of AI technology transfer and the potential for dual-use applications. Ensuring robust safeguards and clear agreements regarding technology usage and intellectual property rights is crucial to prevent unintended advantages for China. The evolving dynamics of international relations necessitate a comprehensive risk assessment to secure long-term strategic advantages in the AI domain.

Ultimately, the pursuit of AI advancement must be balanced with a keen awareness of global power dynamics. Overlooking the potential for China to capitalise on these collaborations could undermine the very goals the US seeks to achieve, highlighting the need for a nuanced and vigilant approach to international AI partnerships.