2026/02/10 by Kayla Blomquist · 2 voices · 1 citation
Social Sciences · #Cybersecurity and Cyber Warfare Studies #Ethics and Social Impacts of AI #International Science and Diplomacy
paper · doi:10.1093/ia/iiag028
openalex publication_date 2026/02/10 · openalex created_date 2026/04/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Abstract As artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a defining technology of the twenty-first century, states increasingly pursue AI development and governance leadership as markers of international status and sources of prestige. Drawing on a comparative analysis of state behaviours in AI development and governance initiatives, this article argues that a status hierarchy is emerging in international AI competition, and that this gives rise to diverging patterns of prestige-seeking behaviour across status tiers. The AI great powers (the United States and China) engage in continuous technical competition over advanced models on top of more traditional layers of technological competition. The AI middle powers pursue ‘competitive differentiation’ through governance leadership, hosting summits and developing specialized capabilities to demonstrate their relevance without directly competing in frontier development. The AI follower states face systemic barriers to participation, driving them toward symbolic prestige projects and partnerships with leading countries and firms. While these categories represent ideal types with fluid boundaries in practice, and the analysis does not suggest prestige and status factors outweigh more material strategic considerations, this framework reveals distinct behavioural patterns shaped by hierarchical positioning. This article helps to reveal how emerging technologies create new sites for status competition and prestige cultivation while offering insights for policy-makers navigating the strategic and symbolic dimensions of AI.