The DeepSeek-R1 artificial intelligence model has been a wake-up call for the U.S. technology sector, prompting calls for stricter export controls to curb China’s access to advanced technologies. But as AI increasingly redefines global power—through its proven use in battlefield decision-making, mass surveillance, automated cyberoperations, and application of state propaganda—Washington’s strategy must also increase investment in research and development, foster domestic innovation, and enhance international collaboration to promote AI that is free from state-imposed censorship and aligned with democratic values.

In the race for AI supremacy, the finish line isn’t just economic dominance—it’s the future of freedom. The United States must not only maintain its technological edge but also promote an international AI ecosystem rooted in transparency, openness, and democratic governance. AI can either reinforce repression or empower free societies. It must be developed and deployed in ways that preserve civil liberties, protect open debate, and resist ideological conformity.

The DeepSeek-R1 artificial intelligence model has been a wake-up call for the U.S. technology sector, prompting calls for stricter export controls to curb China’s access to advanced technologies. But as AI increasingly redefines global power—through its proven use in battlefield decision-making, mass surveillance, automated cyberoperations, and application of state propaganda—Washington’s strategy must also increase investment in research and development, foster domestic innovation, and enhance international collaboration to promote AI that is free from state-imposed censorship and aligned with democratic values.

In the race for AI supremacy, the finish line isn’t just economic dominance—it’s the future of freedom. The United States must not only maintain its technological edge but also promote an international AI ecosystem rooted in transparency, openness, and democratic governance. AI can either reinforce repression or empower free societies. It must be developed and deployed in ways that preserve civil liberties, protect open debate, and resist ideological conformity.

Unlike U.S. AI models that prioritize open knowledge and free expression, albeit imperfectly and under increasing scrutiny, China’s AI platforms serve as instruments of authoritarian control. While U.S. models face legitimate criticism over bias, data sourcing, and political pressure in academia, they are still developed in an open environment subject to legal challenge, public transparency, and independent oversight—conditions that do not exist under China’s centralized censorship regime. The United States must not only maintain its technological edge but also actively promote U.S. AI as the superior alternative. Beijing isn’t building smarter machines—it’s building better censors.

Initiatives such as the AI Infrastructure Partnership—a collaboration among xAI, Nvidia, Microsoft, BlackRock, and Abu Dhabi AI investment fund MGX—point the way. While not all members operate within democratic systems, the infrastructure, governance, development, and deployment of AI through these partnerships are still governed by the U.S. rule of law, transparency standards, and regulatory accountability. These projects are subject to congressional oversight, disclosure requirements from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and........

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