States sentiment towards Artificial Intelligence in international settings

Abstract: AI is creating a global societal paradigm shift since it is a general purpose technology with seemingly unstoppable potential. Although large economic and societal advantages seem apparent, the technology is also recognised to pose an existential threat to humanity. Experts and politicians highlight these risks, however there is a lack of international regulation on the matter. Using international relations theory and previous research on AI governance, reasons for the absence of regulation is procured through analysis of states sentiments in the UN. Applying quantitative text analysis in combination with simple and multivariate regression, a correlative statistical pattern was researched. Sentiment analysis of states in the CCW and the UN General Assembly was therefore used as empirical data to analyse the presence of a correlative pattern. Results from the statistical analysis indicate that a country with a higher vested interest in AI also tends to express a more positive sentiment about AI. Viewing nations as moving towards multipolar power dynamics (from a unipolar one) is theorised to explain the shift in sentiments over time. This research paper’s main contribution to the research of political science is the descriptive statistical analysis of the CCW debates and the General Assembly discussion on AI. Research contributions are also made with regards to international relations theory about the transition from a unipolar US hegemony towards a multipolar one, i.e. between Russia, China and the US.