Geopolitics, AI, and the Swedish Perspective
I was invited by Aaron Rosen, one of South Florida’s brightest geopolitical minds and founder of Miami’s first think tank, World Affairs Council of Miami to a private dinner with Swedish ambassador to the United States, Urban Ahlin. It was an opportunity to hear conversations that don’t make the news – the politics of politics, if you will.
Urban, a social democrat and former speaker of the Swedish parliament, dissected geopolitics with the precision of a surgeon. His analysis reminded me of our head and neck anatomy professor in medical school, meticulously separating the smallest nerves from arteries and veins, but with a passion for political intricacies.
With a select group, spanning from investment bankers to the former U.S. ambassador to Singapore, co-hosted by J.P. Morgan, Urban painted a vivid picture of Sweden’s journey. From Vikings to neutrality, from Europe’s poorest to one of its wealthiest – all shaped by smart decisions and an innate character that resists being forced into anything. Their recent decision to join NATO after 200 years of neutrality? A testament to this complex national psyche.
When I probed about Sweden’s AI aspirations, Urban’s response echoed a sentiment I’d heard from the Italian Consul General. Both nations seek independence in AI development, aiming to infuse their unique cultural perspectives into the broader European AI Act. It’s a quest to bring diversity and humanity to AI – something a globalized knowledge base like ChatGPT can’t fully capture.
But here’s where it gets fascinating: Sweden’s ace in the AI race? Clean energy. Abundant water. Natural cooling for data centers. They’re leveraging these advantages, attracting GPUs and data centers like no time before.
This dinner wasn’t just about geopolitics or AI. It was a glimpse into how AI is reshaping geopolitics itself. It’s not a one-way street or even a multi-lane highway. It’s an ever-shifting landscape where nations are carving out their niches, positioning themselves in this new world order.
As we navigate this AI-driven future, one thing is clear: the interplay between national identity, technological advancement, and geopolitical strategy is more complex and fascinating than ever. And we’re all part of this grand, global dance.