How Cooperating on Digital Technology Can Unite Democracies

The Need for Democratic Cooperation on Technology

The article highlights the growing technological dominance of autocratic states, particularly China, and the lack of coordinated response from democracies. It emphasizes that whoever shapes the use of emerging technologies will hold a significant advantage.

Autocracies' Technological Lead

China's strategic use of technology, particularly in areas such as AI and 5G, is presented as a major concern. The example of China's involvement in Zimbabwe's national facial recognition system is cited as a demonstration of how autocracies are using technology for political control.

In contrast, the article criticizes the United States and its allies for their fragmented and reactive responses to autocratic actions, illustrated by inconsistent approaches to Huawei's 5G capabilities and Russian election meddling.

The Proposed T-12

As a solution, the article proposes the formation of a 'T-12' group of techno-democracies—a coalition of 12 technologically advanced democracies—to coordinate their technological strategies.

• The T-12's goals would be to promote shared norms and values regarding technology, preserve competitive advantage, and present a unified front against autocratic threats.
• Potential members include the United States, France, Germany, Japan, UK, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Finland, Sweden, India, and Israel.

The article emphasizes that the T-12 should be an informal group, similar to the G-7, focusing on coordination rather than formal agreements.

Areas for T-12 Collaboration

The article suggests various areas of potential collaboration for the T-12:

• Information sharing: Regarding supply chain security, risks of specific technologies, and strategies to combat disinformation.
• Standard setting: Developing guidelines for technologies like facial recognition.
• Investment coordination: Rationalizing resources for innovation and countering initiatives such as China's Digital Silk Road.
• Policy coordination: Harmonizing export controls, regulating technologies like blockchain, and coordinating education and immigration policies.

Addressing Potential Objections

The article anticipates objections to the T-12, including general opposition to new international groupings and concerns about private sector involvement and potential reactions from China and Russia. However, it argues that the benefits of cooperation among democracies outweigh these concerns.

A Call to Action

The article concludes by drawing a parallel between the T-12 and the Bretton Woods conference, emphasizing the urgency for democracies to recognize that technology is too important to be left to individual nations or technologists alone.