“AI Cold War is Here”: are we ready for the AI Race?

After years at the intersection of business, geopolitics, and technology, I see how the DeepSeek release has sparked a vital conversation about the emerging “AI Cold War”. While everyone’s talking about US-China rivalry, the reality is far more complex.

What keeps me up at night isn’t the competition; it’s the digital world fragmenting along geopolitical fault lines.

The “AI Cold War” is already here; the question is how to foster innovation without deepening dangerous divides.

Here’s my take:

• The US-China dynamic goes beyond just AI capabilities—it’s a battle for who writes the rulebook for our technological future, from Silicon Valley’s open innovation to Beijing’s state-directed AI ambitions
• Europe’s bet on regulation might backfire—yes, the EU AI Act shows leadership, but is it sacrificing entrepreneurship, agility, and innovation for safety?
• Is the UK playing it smart with their AI Safety Institute—positioning themselves as a balanced voice of reason?
• India is racing against infrastructure challenges—but boasts incredible talent and ambition.
• Russia’s isolated drive for AI sovereignty faces constant roadblocks, highlighting the need for global collaboration—while focusing on military AI applications.
• The UAE leads with AI governance by appointing one of the first Ministers of AI, while Saudi Arabia is making bold strategic investments in AI—both countries are focusing on practical applications that enhance government services and improve lives.

The real challenge: can we keep civilian AI open and collaborative while military AI accelerates, all while addressing ethical uses, governance, privacy, and security?

– Written by:

Imad Lahad, Managing Director, Dubai and Global Head of AI Comms Lab at APCO Worldwide and Chair of the PRCA Mena AI in PR Committee