Geopolitics of AI: The New Frontier of Technology, the New Frontline of Power? | ESSEC Webinar

Geopolitics of AI: The New Frontier of Technology, the New Frontline of Power? | ESSEC Webinar

🎙 ESSEC Business School 👥 90K 📅 February 17, 2026 ⏱ 71 min 👁 405 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-08-13
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

AIgeopoliticsgovernancesovereigntyglobal south

Summary

This ESSEC webinar brings together experts to discuss the geopolitical dimensions of artificial intelligence. The panel, moderated by Thomas Friang, includes Constance Mickiewicz (Special Advisor to the French Presidential Envoy for AI), Constance Bommelaer de Leusse (Executive Director of the AI & Society Institute at ENS), Jean-Marc Fenet (Senior Fellow at ESSEC Institute for Geopolitics & Business), and Sandrine Richard (Lawyer and Colonel in the Gendarmerie nationale). The discussion centers on how AI is reshaping global power dynamics, with a focus on the EU-US-China triangle and emerging players like India and Gulf countries. Key themes include the concentration of AI market power, the cultural and linguistic biases in AI models, the importance of sovereignty and strategic dependencies, and the role of AI in security and coercion. The webinar also highlights the significance of the upcoming AI Summit in India and the Franco-Indian strategic partnership. The panelists emphasize the need for inclusive governance and the involvement of the Global South in shaping AI norms and standards.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The webinar provides valuable insights into the geopolitical implications of AI, moving beyond a purely technological perspective. The panelists effectively argue that AI is not just a technological race but a competition over rules, dependencies, and governance. They highlight the concentration of AI capabilities in the US and China, the resulting fractures, and the need for sovereignty and inclusive governance. The argumentation is solid, drawing on recent events such as the Paris AI Summit and the upcoming Delhi Summit, and the speakers’ expertise lends credibility. However, some points could be further substantiated with specific data or references.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The webinar demonstrates strong scientific rigor, with panelists referencing official initiatives, summits, and policy frameworks. The quality of sources is high, as the speakers are directly involved in AI governance and diplomacy. The title accurately reflects the content, which explores AI as a geopolitical frontier. The discussion is well-structured and balanced, addressing both opportunities and risks. No comments were provided for analysis.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which explores AI as a geopolitical force and a new arena of power competition.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The webinar features recognized experts in AI governance, geopolitics, and law, providing a high-level analysis of AI's geopolitical implications. The discussion is well-structured, with clear arguments and references to recent events and initiatives. However, it is primarily an expert panel discussion rather than a peer-reviewed study, and some claims lack specific citations.

Chapters

Cited Sources

Concurring Sources

Contribution & Novelties

The webinar offers a comprehensive overview of AI geopolitics, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance and the role of the Global South. It highlights the cultural and linguistic biases in AI models, a point often overlooked. The discussion on strategic dependencies and sovereignty provides a nuanced understanding of power dynamics.

Pour aller plus loin :

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Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores across all dimensions, indicating a well-rounded and reliable content. The strengths are particularly in the quantity and quality of information, as well as global reliability, reflecting the expertise of the panelists and the depth of the discussion.

Reliability 8/10