AI Principles and Strategies Around the World

This chapter analyses how the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape is characterised by divergent national strategies, reflecting fundamental differences in technological priorities and governance philosophies. While China emphasises AI as a driver of economic growth and social governance, the European Union leads in ethical AI regulation through comprehensive frameworks such as the AI Act, and the United States maintains a market-oriented approach favouring private-sector innovation. With over 69 countries now possessing national AI strategies, international cooperation efforts including the G7 Hiroshima AI Process have established guiding principles and voluntary codes of conduct for responsible AI development. Current governance frameworks demonstrate significant progress in establishing ethical pillars including transparency, fairness, accountability, safety, and privacy protection. However, substantial challenges remain in bridging the implementation gap, maintaining pace with rapid technological advancement, and achieving standardisation across jurisdictions. The emergence of major initiatives like the US Stargate Project and the EU AI Continent Action Plan signals intensifying global competition while highlighting the critical need for balanced approaches that foster innovation without compromising ethical safeguards or economic stability.