Through the growing use (and abuse) of AI platforms, information (and disinformation) has become the most influential space in which countries are competing today. With 60% of the global pool of elite AI talent hailing from three countries – the U.S., China, and India – it is important to consider how similarly and differently these nations approach AI in domestic and international policy, information, and governance. 

Among the three, the U.S. has perhaps the most fragmented policy toward AI, featuring voluntary governance and non-binding regulations. Washington’s diplomatic approach emphasizes AI’s broader role in enhancing transparency, countering disinformation, and supporting nation branding through ethical practices and norms. China, by comparison, focuses on using AI for strategic global influence, maintaining stability, promoting economic leadership within its Belt and Road Initiative, and in shaping international narratives. India also has established a more unified strategy toward AI that promotes technological inclusivity, its leadership role in the Global South, and leverages public diplomacy efforts around social impact, culture, and regional stability. 

Although the U.S. lacks comprehensive federal regulations towards AI, it certainly has emerged as the leader in promoting the responsible development and use of AI to address global challenges and advance diplomacy. The Partnership for Global Inclusivity on AI (PGIAI), launched by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken alongside major U.S. tech companies such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft, aims at using AI to promote sustainable development in developing countries. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State has integrated AI into its operations through tools like Northstar, which utilizes AI for digital and social media analytics to enhance public diplomacy. AI is also central to efforts to counter foreign propaganda and disinformation, as seen in the Global Engagement Center’s initiatives. Through efforts such as these, the U.S. leverages AI in its nation branding, positioning itself as a pioneer in safe, secure and rights-respecting AI technologies for both domestic benefit and international collaboration.

Alexander Hunt, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Guinea, was recognized with the 2023 Ameri Prize for Innovation in Public Diplomacy by the USC Center on Public Diplomacy for being a pioneer in creatively using AI in storytelling. Hunt’s team employed generative AI tools such as Leonardo and Runway to create an animated graphic novel about an 18th-century African prince from Guinea who was sold into slavery and later freed by U.S. Secretary of State Henry Clay and President John Quincy Adams. Aimed at youth audiences, this project demonstrated the ability of AI in helping diplomats confront historical narratives and communicate with diverse populations in innovative ways. 

China is also using AI in its nation branding strategy to showcase itself as a global leader in cutting-edge technologies. Through the "AI+" initiative, China aims to integrate AI across multiple sectors of its economy, transforming industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and digital services. For example, the government emphasizes building advanced AI models to rival Western competitors like OpenAI, with tech companies such as 360 Group and iFlytek developing national-level open-source AI models. These efforts position China as a technological innovator, capable of driving economic growth through digital transformation. The country has also focused on establishing a robust AI ecosystem by improving data-sharing mechanisms and fostering AI talent, further amplifying its brand as a forward-thinking nation.

Tactically, public diplomats and communicators in China are like their peers in the U.S. and India in utilizing AI-driven tools for information collection and processing; data analysis; social media monitoring; audience sentiment assessment; AI-powered language translation; message customization; and training diplomats in crisis management and negotiations.
However, China is much more heavy-handed in the use of AI in domestic surveillance and security. In addition, while China has long leveraged its strong propaganda infrastructure for domestic information control across state-owned platforms, it now uses AI to influence political and informational environments in other countries. Chinese AI has been linked to foreign online and social media discussions that advance false narratives. These disinformation campaigns, along with messaging that promotes a positive image of Chinese government policies, have been targeted toward its overseas diaspora and other foreign audiences.

India’s national strategy on AI pursues the delicate balance between fostering innovation and mitigating risk. The Indian government has actively encouraged AI for social welfare, including applications to detect diseases, increase agricultural productivity, and promote linguistic diversity. Such pro-innovation and welfare-based approaches to AI are particularly influential for developing countries in the Global South. At the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence Summit, India furthered the concept of “collaborative AI” to promote equitable access to AI resources and data sharing for the developing world.

While India’s model for AI regulation, which balances innovation and safety, resonates with countries in the Global South, international partnerships with the West are also increasing. U.S. Space Force and American military contractors have partnered with India-based AI company 114ai to develop advanced military and space technologies. NVIDIA has partnered with Indian conglomerates Reliance Industries and Tata Group to develop cloud AI infrastructure platforms. 

The separate paths of AI usage in the U.S., China and India are reflective of each country’s unique culture and ethical priorities. The U.S. has been relatively hands-off in regulating AI, allowing industry to self-regulate, as long as responsible governance respects individual liberties. China, unsurprisingly, prioritizes security-focused AI applications that sacrifice privacy in favor of stability. India’s national strategy on AI promotes social welfare while balancing opportunity and risk. With its rich pool of talent, growing technology ecosystem, and commitment to ethical and responsible AI, India has the potential to surpass the U.S. and China as the global leader in AI governance. 

Glenn Osaki is the director of the USC U.S.-China Institute and a founding member of the USC Center for Public Relations Board of Advisers. He served for five years as a senior advisor to the university’s president, spearheading the university’s approach to global branding and international thought leadership, and as senior vice president and chief communications officer. He was based in Shanghai for 15 years prior to joining USC, serving as Asia Pacific president of MSL, the flagship strategic communications and public affairs consultancy of Publicis Groupe.