Programmable Sovereignty Strategy Against the N-2 Problem in Artificial Intelligence
A new study by Bruegel proposes a coordinated specialization model for states outside the US and China to overcome artificial intelligence dependency.
Examining the structural dependency problem faced by states in the field of artificial intelligence, Bruegel brought to the agenda the concept of programmable sovereignty, which envisions pooling resources and establishing a common infrastructure.
The N-2 Problem in Artificial Intelligence Sovereignty
Current political and academic approaches associate artificial intelligence sovereignty directly with production capacity. This gives rise to the N-2 problem, where full independence can be achieved solely by the United States and China.
Structural Dependency and Other States
All states other than the United States and China are in a structurally dependent position on one or both of these two artificial intelligence superpowers.
Governance and Digital Sovereignty Dimension
Regardless of who produces the technology, the capacity to be shaped by rules, standards, and market power constitutes a different analytical dimension of digital sovereignty.
The Concept of Programmable Sovereignty
Programmable sovereignty aims to reverse dependency through shared computing capacity and soft governance tools, without requiring full-stack artificial intelligence autonomy.
Coordinated Specialization Mechanism
Coordinated specialization is proposed as an institutional mechanism for states facing the N-2 dilemma to pool their capacities in a trusted common artificial intelligence stack.
Institutional Precedents and Membership Criteria
Specific criteria are defined for participation in the coalition by referencing three key institutional precedents: EuroHPC, India Stack, and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework.