Defining AI Sovereignty
AI sovereignty describes a country’s capacity to control critical AI infrastructure, data and governance decisions without full self-sufficiency.
It recognizes that full AI independence is practically impossible due to global interconnections.
Why Sovereignty Matters
Many nations seek greater agency for national security, economic competitiveness, and cultural inclusion in AI systems.
Thus, sovereignty becomes a strategic goal in policy debates worldwide.
Constraints on Full Autonomy
However, AI depends on complex global systems; supply chains, research networks, data flows, and compute infrastructure.
Because these elements span borders, complete sovereign control is structurally infeasible.
Risks of Seeking Isolation
Focusing only on autonomy can fragment markets, weaken competitiveness, and replicate stranded investments.
Moreover, inward AI strategies can undermine interoperability and slow technological progress.
Managed Interdependence as a Middle Path
Instead of isolation, nations can pursue “managed interdependence.” This approach strengthens sovereignty by mapping dependencies, diversifying partners, and embedding interoperability standards.
Practical Policy Tools
Countries can prioritize feasible interventions across layers of the AI stack; compute and hardware, data ecosystems, models and applications, governance frameworks and technical standards. Embedding portability and open protocols supports better national control without isolation.
Benefits of Cooperation
Strategic alliances help nations mitigate reliance on dominant global firms. Thus, cooperation enhances resilience, preserves open markets, and sustains healthy international innovation.
Avoiding Unintended Consequences
Overly restrictive sovereignty may encourage protectionism or authoritarian misuse of AI technologies.
Therefore, resilience and rights protection should guide any sovereignty strategy.
Toward Strategic AI Agency
In sum, sovereignty in AI is not isolation but deliberate positioning within global networks.
Managed interdependence offers a realistic balance between autonomy and global cooperation.
Source:
Tanner, B., Kerry, C. F., Wyckoff, A. W., Kyosovska, N., Renda, A., Tabassi, E., et al. (2026, February 17). Is AI sovereignty possible? Balancing autonomy and interdependence. Brookings Institution. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/is-ai-sovereignty-possible-balancing-autonomy-and-interdependence/