In a geopolitically unstable world, domestic AI policies in the Global Majority are not redundant; they’re crucial. With global frameworks vulnerable to dilution or rollback, local governance offers resilience against misuse, especially from state actors.
Few actors are engaging in AI governance across the Global South. With low competition and high marginal impact, policy interventions, even small ones, can meaningfully shape national trajectories.
Countries like Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia have historically driven multilateral coordination. Supporting safety norms now empowers them to lead future global AI frameworks that are equitable and inclusive.
AI risks vary by context. In the Global Majority, threats include data colonialism, fragile institutions, and state-led surveillance. These demand governance tailored to regional dynamics, not copied from the EU or U.S.
