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Artificial intelligence

Sovereignty-Internationalism Paradox in AI Governance: Researchers Introduce Digital Federalism

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the global reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow, a new study published in the journal Discover Artificial Intelligence has highlighted the complexities of AI governance. The research, conducted by the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, explores the tension between state control over algorithmic systems and the necessity of transnational collaboration to regulate borderless technologies. The study argues that AI systems reinforce national sovereignty while demanding global cooperation, posing a fundamental challenge to governance frameworks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The sovereignty-internationalism paradox in AI governance refers to the tension between state control over algorithmic systems and the necessity of transnational collaboration.
  • The EU's risk-based regulatory model demonstrates a supranational approach balancing innovation with ethical oversight, while China's centralized AI-driven governance exemplifies state-centric control through algorithmic surveillance.
  • The study introduces Digital Federalism, a governance model that integrates subsidiarity and multi-tiered sovereignty, enabling regulatory coordination across local, national, and global levels.
  • Digital Federalism is different from polycentric governance, which emphasizes decentralization, as it retains hierarchical coordination while allowing for adaptive, context-sensitive governance.
  • The research argues that reconciling national sovereignty and transnational cooperation requires adaptive frameworks prioritizing transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.

Statistics:

  • The study examines the sovereignty-internationalism paradox in AI governance, which encapsulates the tension between state control and transnational collaboration.
  • The EU's AI Act and China's Social Credit System are compared as examples of AI governance frameworks.
  • The journal article is available online at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s44163-025-00374-x.
  • The research was funded by the State Committee of Science.

Sources:

  • "The sovereignty-internationalism paradox in AI governance: digital federalism and global algorithmic control." Discover Artificial Intelligence, 2025, 5(1):1-14.
  • NewsRx. National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia Researcher Targets Artificial Intelligence (The sovereignty-internationalism paradox in AI governance: digital federalism and global algorithmic control). Robotics & Machine Learning. July 14, 2025; p 323.

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