As the competition between the US and China for dominance in artificial intelligence (AI) escalates, the risks go beyond simply reshaping the balance of power to reshaping the global political order due to China's growing influence in the Middle East. However, portraying this race as a binary competition between the two superpowers ignores the complex and multidimensional reality, as other countries, including the energy-rich Middle East, are emerging as significant beneficiaries and contributors to this changing landscape.

As the second decade of the 21st century draws to a close, AI has become a decisive force in international politics, bringing about profound economic and social transformations. The rapid advances in artificial intelligence technologies and their applications are not limited to technological progress alone but extend to the roots of international relations and the global balance of power.

The strategic importance of artificial intelligence has led to what some describe as a new "techno-capitalist arms race". By 2027, annual global investment in AI could exceed USD 1 trillion, with the largest artificial intelligence training centers likely to consume more energy than some entire countries. This development has profound geopolitical implications.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, one of the pioneers of AI, has called developments in AI "the greatest techno-capitalist acceleration in history", adding that the race for AI supremacy could determine the future of global power structures.

Beyond the US-China rivalry and the rise of new players

While the US and China are the main competitors in the AI ​​race, the global landscape is more complex. The Middle East, traditionally known for its vast energy resources, is now using them to become a major player in AI development. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing heavily in AI infrastructure, seeing it as a way to diversify their economies, reduce their dependence on oil, and assert their influence on the world stage.

These countries have significant capital and energy resources critical to powering the next generation of AI systems. As AI training centres increasingly consume more energy, Middle Eastern countries are uniquely positioned to lead the way in innovation. By aligning their technological ambitions with their resources, these countries are helping to drive human progress, especially in energy-intensive applications, demonstrating their strategic superiority. Their investments encourage collaboration and spur innovation, underscoring the importance of integrating diverse capabilities into the global AI ecosystem to achieve more inclusive and pluralistic technological progress.

The Middle East at the heart of the debate

Schmidt has suggested that Middle Eastern countries could be a potential alternative funding source for large AI projects, given their vast financial resources and willingness to invest in advanced technology. However, he also expressed concerns about whether these countries will align with US national security interests.

Moreover, some American experts fear that focusing AI development in non-democratic regimes could lead to the misuse of AI technologies, potentially strengthening authoritarian regimes or destabilising global security. Some cite historical parallels with the oil crises of the 1970s. The West's reliance on region's oil has created significant geopolitical vulnerabilities. These concerns raise important questions about the strategic implications of deepening partnerships with Middle Eastern countries in artificial intelligence.

Nonetheless, to provide a more balanced and realistic vision, the West needs to recognise that the political systems of wealthy Middle Eastern countries may differ from those prevailing in the West. However, most of these countries enjoy good governance, strong structures, established institutions, and a stable and attractive economic and social environment. For these reasons, with their stability and strategic visions, Middle Eastern countries can be a reliable partner for the United States and the broader Western alliance in advancing the development of AI.

A comprehensive and immediate strategic agreement between the US and leading Arab countries is an important entry point for developing all aspects of cooperation, and AI is among its priorities. The Arab -Arab cooperation in AI, in particular,  and the Arab-Western cooperation in general, is old and well-established. Those who say that Arabs are looking for other partners in search of quick returns do not know the depth of historical relations that have continued for nearly a century. Moreover, the reluctance of American administrations to recognise the strategic importance of countries in the Middle East is missing this historic opportunity.

In this context, the US and its Western allies must reconsider their strategies towards the Middle East, focusing on building more balanced and realistic comprehensive strategic security and economic and military relations with influential Arab countries, away from attempts to impose political agendas that may hinder fruitful cooperation.

In an era of rapid technological developments, building a true strategic partnership with Middle Eastern countries in the field of AI can contribute to achieving a balance between global powers, enhancing innovation, and supporting global stability.

Photo: The Middle East is emerging as a significant beneficiary and contributor of the changing landscape. (Photo: Adobe)