The idea of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been engrained in the human imagination for centuries. Since the 1950s, the study, application, and the unbound potential of AI in different sectors and ecosystems has steadily grown. This growth and all-encompassing presence (whether real or imagined) invokes fear and excitement that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries. As public and private sector groups at national and international levels race to harness the full potential of AI, global disparities in knowledge and awareness, biases in sources and datasets, and ethical concerns have come to the forefront. Through the AI in Global Perspectives series, the International and Area Studies Library seeks to engage with scholars and specialists based in different world regions and disciplines through informal discussions. It is the goal of this series to invite the broader public to participate in these discussions. Each installment of this series will feature panelists, a demonstration of AI application in practical terms, and be followed by robust discussion.
Previous Events
Global Governance of AI: Political and Ethical Challenges Across National, Regional, and International Approaches
Date: February 18, 2025
Location: Zoom
Sponsored by: The Center for Global Studies, International and Area Studies Library
Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming societies worldwide, raising urgent questions about governance at national, regional, and international levels. This panel brings together leading experts to examine the political and ethical challenges of AI governance and explore how frameworks at different levels can balance innovation, security, and equity.
Focusing on perspectives from the Global South and the broader global political economy, the discussion will delve into critical topics such as:
- How national strategies align with regional and global frameworks.
- The role of ethical governance in addressing issues from security to economic development.
- How marginalized communities are impacted by algorithmic bias, datafication, and technological sovereignty.
The session will not only assess governance frameworks but also examine the ends of governance—how AI can be ethically and effectively used to advance development, security, and social equity. This discussion is essential for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners aiming to shape a more inclusive and just AI-driven future.
Panelists:
- Dr. Allison Stange — Professor at Middlebury College
- Dr. Thallita G. L. Lima — Research Coordinator at Centro de Estudos de Segurança e Cidadania (CESeC)
- Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo — Fellow at The Brookings Institution
AI in Global Perspectives Discussion
Date: October 2, 2024
Location: Zoom
Sponsored by: International and Area Studies Library
Description: This informal virtual discussion introduces the Global Perspectives on AI series.
Panelists:
- Mohamed Khalifa — Director of Studies and Associate Dean at the Education Centre of Australia, College of Health Sciences
- Aleksandra Vučković — Professor of Biomedical Engineering at University of Glasgow
- Vlasta Sikimić — Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at Eindhoven University of Technology
- Anna Isaksson — Associate Professor of Sociology at Halmstad University
- Chris Tidrick — Chief Information Officer and Senior Director at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Gies College of Business