Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize societies worldwide in the coming years. Recognizing this transformative potential, MIT has welcomed Luis Videgaray PhD '98, Mexico's former foreign and finance minister, to lead a groundbreaking initiative focused on shaping global AI governance frameworks that consider the diverse impacts on populations across the planet.
This month, Videgaray, an authority on geopolitical dynamics and AI governance, has assumed leadership of the MIT Artificial Intelligence Policy for the World Project (MIT AIPW). This innovative collaboration bridges the MIT Sloan School of Management with the newly established MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing. In addition to directing this initiative, Videgaray will contribute his expertise as a senior lecturer at MIT Sloan and as a distinguished fellow at the MIT Internet Policy Research Initiative.
The MIT AIPW will unite interdisciplinary researchers from across the Institute to examine and develop optimal AI governance strategies for nations worldwide, taking into account complex geopolitical factors. The culmination of this year-long investigation will be a comprehensive report featuring practical policy recommendations tailored for national and local governments, corporations, international organizations, and academic institutions, including MIT itself.
"Our fundamental objective is to analyze, increase awareness, and formulate actionable policy guidance regarding how geopolitical contexts influence both AI development and implementation," explains Videgaray, who obtained his PhD in economics from MIT. "This initiative is called 'AI Policy for the World' because it extends beyond merely understanding geopolitical dimensions—it actively considers populations in developing nations, where AI may not be primarily developed but will inevitably be adopted and profoundly impact all aspects of life."
"When we established the MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing, we articulated our commitment to examining the societal implications of advanced computational technologies," states MIT Provost Martin Schmidt. "Developing frameworks to assist governments and policymakers in navigating these complex issues represents a crucial component of this mission. I am thrilled to see this endeavor launched under the guidance of our distinguished alumnus, Dr. Videgaray."
Democratic Values, Diversity, and Conflict De-escalation
During his tenure as Mexico's finance minister from 2012 to 2016, Videgaray orchestrated Mexico's energy liberalization, telecommunications reforms to enhance sector competition, tax restructuring that reduced the nation's oil revenue dependence, and the development of financial technology legislation. In 2012, he served as campaign manager for President Peña Nieto and led the presidential transition team.
As foreign minister from 2017 to 2018, Videgaray managed Mexico's relationship with the Trump administration, including the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). He co-founded the Lima Group, which promotes regional diplomatic efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela. Additionally, he directed Mexico's leadership role at the UN in fostering inclusive discussions on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. During this period, Videgaray observed AI's evolution from a "science-fiction" concept to a major global political priority within just one year.
In recent years, numerous academic institutions, governments, and organizations have launched initiatives addressing AI governance, with over 20 countries establishing strategies to guide AI development. However, Videgaray notes that these efforts often overlook a critical dimension: AI's intersection with geopolitics.
MIT AIPW will operate according to three guiding principles to shape AI governance within geopolitical contexts: democratic values, diversity and inclusion, and conflict de-escalation.
One of the most pressing challenges facing MIT AIPW is addressing whether AI "could potentially threaten democratic systems," according to Videgaray. Consequently, the project will explore policies that advance AI technologies while preserving the principles of liberal democracy.
"We observe certain nations adopting AI technologies not to enhance quality of life but rather for social control purposes," Videgaray notes. "This technology possesses extraordinary power, yet we are already witnessing its deployment to influence populations and impact democratic processes. In countries with less robust institutions, this can lead to democratic erosion."
A significant policy challenge in this domain involves navigating varying data privacy regulations across countries. If some nations impose minimal restrictions on data utilization, they might gain competitive advantages. "If geopolitical competition begins to outweigh concerns about privacy, algorithmic bias, or transparency—if winning becomes the sole priority—then AI's global societal impact could become deeply concerning," Videgaray warns.
Similarly, MIT AIPW will prioritize conflict de-escalation by promoting analytical, practical, and collaborative approaches to AI development and deployment. While media narratives often frame the global AI advancement as an "arms race," Videgaray believes such thinking poses potential societal risks. "This reflects a perception that we're returning to an adversarial global environment, with technology playing a central role," he explains. "Such a mindset will negatively influence how technology is developed and utilized."
Regarding inclusion and diversity, the project aims to transform AI's ethical implications into "a genuinely global conversation," Videgaray emphasizes. This involves fostering awareness and participation from nations worldwide, including less developed and more vulnerable regions. Another challenge involves determining not only which policies should be implemented but also where—whether at state or national levels in the United States, across various European countries, or through the United Nations.
"We aspire to approach this initiative in a genuinely inclusive manner, extending beyond merely countries leading technological development," Videgaray asserts. "Every nation will experience both benefits and drawbacks from AI implementation, yet many remain excluded from these critical discussions."
Forging Global Connections
While MIT AIPW won't directly draft international agreements, Videgaray explains that another project objective is to explore various options and components of potential international frameworks. He also intends to engage with government and business decision-makers worldwide to gather feedback on the project's research findings.
A key aspect of Videgaray's role involves building bridges across MIT departments, laboratories, and centers to engage researchers in addressing these complex issues. "For this initiative to succeed, we must integrate perspectives from individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise," he emphasizes.
At MIT Sloan, Videgaray will collaborate with Simon Johnson, the Ronald A. Kurtz Professor of Entrepreneurship and professor of global economics and management, to deliver courses focused primarily on issues explored by the MIT AIPW project.
Next spring, MIT AIPW plans to organize a conference at MIT, bringing together researchers from the Institute and around the globe to discuss the project's preliminary findings and other AI-related topics.
