AI policy and the battle for computing power - Practical AI Recap

Podcast: Practical AI

Published: 2026-03-09

Duration: 49 min

Summary

This episode features Ben Buchanan discussing the evolving relationship between AI technology and policy, emphasizing the shift from government-led innovation to a private sector-driven landscape, particularly in computing power. The conversation highlights the geopolitical implications of this shift, especially in the context of U.S.-China relations.

What Happened

In this episode of Practical AI, host Chris Benson welcomes Ben Buchanan, an expert in AI policy and a former White House adviser, to discuss the impact of AI on international relations and policy-making. Ben shares his journey into the AI field, beginning with his PhD research in cyber operations and the transition to machine learning. He highlights how his career has unfolded in an area that was once relatively obscure but has now become critical to mainstream policy discussions.

Buchanan explains the unique challenges that policymakers face in a landscape where AI technology is predominantly developed by private companies, contrasting it with earlier technological revolutions that were government-funded. He notes that AI is the first revolutionary technology in over a century that has emerged primarily from the private sector, such as companies like Google and OpenAI. This shift complicates the government's ability to understand and regulate AI, as they lack the same degree of involvement and control they had over past technologies like nuclear energy or space exploration.

Key Insights

• AI has transitioned from a government-funded initiative to a private sector-driven technology.
• The understanding of AI's implications must extend beyond science to include geopolitical considerations.
• Computing power, rather than data, is driving advancements in AI technology.
• Policymakers must adapt to the realities of a technology landscape that is largely outside their control.

Key Questions Answered

How has AI policy evolved with the rise of private sector technology?

Ben Buchanan discusses that AI is unique because it has emerged predominantly from the private sector, unlike previous technologies that were primarily government-funded. This shift has changed how policymakers need to approach AI, necessitating a better understanding of the technology's implications beyond just science and into areas of national security and international relations.

What role does computing power play in AI advancements?

Buchanan emphasizes that computing power is the key driver behind AI advancements, rather than data, which many had previously considered paramount. He notes that the United States and its democratic allies possess a significant advantage in producing computing power, which could enhance their position in the global AI landscape.

What challenges do policymakers face in regulating AI technology?

Policymakers struggle with a lack of foundational knowledge about AI technologies, as they are not directly involved in their development. This gap necessitates that individuals like Buchanan translate complex technical details into terms that make sense for national security advisors and other officials who are focused on broader implications rather than technical specifics.

How does AI relate to international relations, especially regarding the U.S. and China?

Buchanan highlights that AI has significant geopolitical ramifications, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations. The national security implications of AI technology require policymakers to consider how advancements in this field could shift power dynamics and influence international competition.

What historical context is important for understanding AI's current landscape?

Ben references the historical pattern where earlier technologies, like nuclear and space technologies, were developed with substantial government backing. In contrast, AI's resurgence in recent years has been predominantly driven by private sector innovation, leading to a disconnect between government understanding and the realities of AI's rapid evolution.