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17.06.2025
Russia and artificial intelligence: innovations for global competitiveness
In recent years, the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key factor in economic and geopolitical rivalry in the international arena, and Russia, aware of this reality, has managed to take a leading position in this area. In this paper, I analyse the various strategies that Russia has implemented in the field of AI development, how it has achieved its dominant position in the global competition, and what it can offer other countries hoping to develop and realize their own technological potential.
AI has become a disruptive technology that drives innovative changes in markets and industries, creating new business models. At the same time, AI leaders have obtained both economic advantages and significant geopolitical influence. Russia is among the countries implementing new policies and strategies for the development of AI.
Russia’s AI Strategy
•Investments
In September 2017, CNN gave extensive coverage to President Vladimir Putin’s statements about who might dominate global politics in the future. According to the Russian leader, artificial intelligence would be the deciding factor.
To quote Putin, “Artificial intelligence is the future, not only for Russia, but for all humankind. It comes with colossal opportunities, but also threats that are diffi- cult to predict. Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world.” In this sense, Russia has joined the club of countries that believe that those who are able to monopolize this technology will not keep it for themselves, but will share it with the rest of the world.
In 2019, Russia adopted its National Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence for 2020–2030, which aims to make the country a global leader in AI technologies. The Strategy served as a complement to the “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation” National Program, which prioritizes the development of AI and quantum technologies.
•Use in Defence and National Security
AI technologies have radically altered the defence and security sectors. Pres- ident Putin stresses the importance of AI for national security and warned of the dangers of technological monopolies in this area. AI is utilized in areas such as cybersecurity, digital intelligence, and the development of hybrid warfare strate- gies, which strengthens Russia’s position on the world stage.
•AI for the Economy
Global experience shows that key economic sectors such as energy and min- ing have optimized their processes using AI for the purposes of increasing effi-
ciency. Leading companies such as Sberbank1 have adopted AI to improve their services and operations, demonstrating the private sector’s commitment to tech- nological innovation.
Impact on Global Competitiveness
Russia’s large-scale investments in AI allow it to compete with the United States and China in this field and even challenge their dominance in advanced technologies. The creation of alliances such as the AI Alliance Network2 with BRICS countries and other partners aims to counteract the technological limita- tions imposed by international sanctions.
Russia has repeatedly stressed the need to develop its own artificial intelli- gence so it does not have to rely on Western platforms, which, critically speaking, could impose values and norms that are alien to Russian culture. This position highlights the differences in approaches to AI regulation and ethics between Rus- sia and other regions, most notably North America.
Through technological cooperation, Russia has expanded its influence in developing countries by offering alternative AI technologies. Not only does this approach expand the Russian market in this area, but it also strengthens future geopolitical alliances, which will in turn influence global economic processes.
could impose values and norms that are alien to Russian culture. This position highlights the differences in approaches to AI regulation and ethics between Russia and other regions, most notably North America.
Through technological cooperation, Russia has expanded its influence in developing countries by offering alternative AI technologies. Not only does this approach expand the Russian market in this area, but it also strengthens future geopolitical alliances, which will in turn influence global economic processes.
A Lesson in How to Grow the Tech Sphere
As a student and future international relations expert, I see a genuine interest on Mexico’s part in integrating technology into its economic, social, and technological development. But the country faces serious challenges in terms of its social dynamics, namely, the lack of a coherent national strategy and the growing dependence on foreign technologies. Bilateral cooperation between Mexico and Russia has been subject to scrutiny to identify promising areas for joint work in technology and education. These are major powers that can potentially accelerate AI development and close the technological gap. What is more, from the economic point of view, adopt- ing these technologies in such sectors as heavy industry, agriculture, and the finan- cial services market could improve Mexico’s productivity and competitiveness on
the global market.
Among the challenges and risks, as we have already mentioned, are techno- logical dependence and the lack of adequate regulation. Over time, these issues should focus on developing public policies that encourage innovation while protecting and safeguarding the rights of citizens and national security.
Russia’s current AI strategy demonstrates how technology has become a battleground for global competitiveness. While this approach has brought advances in defence, economics, and national security, it has also raised concerns about the use of AI for geopolitical purposes. Russia has opted for a development model based on technological independence and state control, which differs from the more open and regulated approach of the West.
For Mexico and other emerging economies, the key question is not simply whether they should adopt AI technologies, but which model they should implement. Should Mexico follow in Russia’s footsteps and develop AI with strong gov- ernment support and strategic implementations, including for defence? Or is the regulated implementation of AI with a human rights focus like the one promoted by the European Union and the United States more appropriate?
Relying exclusively on Western models carries the risk of becoming subject to their technological dominance and regulation, while cooperation with countries like Russia could be an alternative for technological diversification. But is Mexico prepared to balance innovation with the ethical and cybersecurity challenges that a more aggressive AI strategy entails?
This contradiction raises the important question of the extent to which AI should be used as a tool for economic growth, and the extent to which it may become a geopolitical weapon. In its quest for technological advancement, Mexico must not only embrace artificial intelligence, but it must also decide what type of AI it wants in its future. Andrea Cadenas de Llano Sosa
AI has become a disruptive technology that drives innovative changes in markets and industries, creating new business models. At the same time, AI leaders have obtained both economic advantages and significant geopolitical influence. Russia is among the countries implementing new policies and strategies for the development of AI.
Russia’s AI Strategy
•Investments
In September 2017, CNN gave extensive coverage to President Vladimir Putin’s statements about who might dominate global politics in the future. According to the Russian leader, artificial intelligence would be the deciding factor.
To quote Putin, “Artificial intelligence is the future, not only for Russia, but for all humankind. It comes with colossal opportunities, but also threats that are diffi- cult to predict. Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world.” In this sense, Russia has joined the club of countries that believe that those who are able to monopolize this technology will not keep it for themselves, but will share it with the rest of the world.
In 2019, Russia adopted its National Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence for 2020–2030, which aims to make the country a global leader in AI technologies. The Strategy served as a complement to the “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation” National Program, which prioritizes the development of AI and quantum technologies.
•Use in Defence and National Security
AI technologies have radically altered the defence and security sectors. Pres- ident Putin stresses the importance of AI for national security and warned of the dangers of technological monopolies in this area. AI is utilized in areas such as cybersecurity, digital intelligence, and the development of hybrid warfare strate- gies, which strengthens Russia’s position on the world stage.
•AI for the Economy
Global experience shows that key economic sectors such as energy and min- ing have optimized their processes using AI for the purposes of increasing effi-
ciency. Leading companies such as Sberbank1 have adopted AI to improve their services and operations, demonstrating the private sector’s commitment to tech- nological innovation.
Impact on Global Competitiveness
Russia’s large-scale investments in AI allow it to compete with the United States and China in this field and even challenge their dominance in advanced technologies. The creation of alliances such as the AI Alliance Network2 with BRICS countries and other partners aims to counteract the technological limita- tions imposed by international sanctions.
Russia has repeatedly stressed the need to develop its own artificial intelli- gence so it does not have to rely on Western platforms, which, critically speaking, could impose values and norms that are alien to Russian culture. This position highlights the differences in approaches to AI regulation and ethics between Rus- sia and other regions, most notably North America.
Through technological cooperation, Russia has expanded its influence in developing countries by offering alternative AI technologies. Not only does this approach expand the Russian market in this area, but it also strengthens future geopolitical alliances, which will in turn influence global economic processes.
could impose values and norms that are alien to Russian culture. This position highlights the differences in approaches to AI regulation and ethics between Russia and other regions, most notably North America.
Through technological cooperation, Russia has expanded its influence in developing countries by offering alternative AI technologies. Not only does this approach expand the Russian market in this area, but it also strengthens future geopolitical alliances, which will in turn influence global economic processes.
A Lesson in How to Grow the Tech Sphere
As a student and future international relations expert, I see a genuine interest on Mexico’s part in integrating technology into its economic, social, and technological development. But the country faces serious challenges in terms of its social dynamics, namely, the lack of a coherent national strategy and the growing dependence on foreign technologies. Bilateral cooperation between Mexico and Russia has been subject to scrutiny to identify promising areas for joint work in technology and education. These are major powers that can potentially accelerate AI development and close the technological gap. What is more, from the economic point of view, adopt- ing these technologies in such sectors as heavy industry, agriculture, and the finan- cial services market could improve Mexico’s productivity and competitiveness on
the global market.
Among the challenges and risks, as we have already mentioned, are techno- logical dependence and the lack of adequate regulation. Over time, these issues should focus on developing public policies that encourage innovation while protecting and safeguarding the rights of citizens and national security.
Russia’s current AI strategy demonstrates how technology has become a battleground for global competitiveness. While this approach has brought advances in defence, economics, and national security, it has also raised concerns about the use of AI for geopolitical purposes. Russia has opted for a development model based on technological independence and state control, which differs from the more open and regulated approach of the West.
For Mexico and other emerging economies, the key question is not simply whether they should adopt AI technologies, but which model they should implement. Should Mexico follow in Russia’s footsteps and develop AI with strong gov- ernment support and strategic implementations, including for defence? Or is the regulated implementation of AI with a human rights focus like the one promoted by the European Union and the United States more appropriate?
Relying exclusively on Western models carries the risk of becoming subject to their technological dominance and regulation, while cooperation with countries like Russia could be an alternative for technological diversification. But is Mexico prepared to balance innovation with the ethical and cybersecurity challenges that a more aggressive AI strategy entails?
This contradiction raises the important question of the extent to which AI should be used as a tool for economic growth, and the extent to which it may become a geopolitical weapon. In its quest for technological advancement, Mexico must not only embrace artificial intelligence, but it must also decide what type of AI it wants in its future. Andrea Cadenas de Llano Sosa
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