BackGeopolitical risk
Geopolitical risk
Risk Domain
AI developers or state-like actors competing in an AI ‘race’ by rapidly developing, deploying, and applying AI systems to maximize strategic or economic advantage, increasing the risk they release unsafe and error-prone systems.
"As AI is increasingly seen as a powerful technology, countries are racing to develop it ahead of their geopolitical rivals, a competition that could lead to geopolitical tensions [138], [139]... The emphasis of this risk is on harms that result from second-order effects, where geopolitical instabilities result from the race to develop AI, rather than on the direct consequences of the deployment or use of AI itself."
Entity— Who or what caused the harm
Intent— Whether the harm was intentional or accidental
Timing— Whether the risk is pre- or post-deployment
Other risks from Chin (2025) (5)
CBRN
4.2 Cyberattacks, weapon development or use, and mass harmHumanIntentionalPost-deployment
Cyber offense
4.2 Cyberattacks, weapon development or use, and mass harmOtherIntentionalPost-deployment
Sudden loss of control
7.1 AI pursuing its own goals in conflict with human goals or valuesAI systemOtherPost-deployment
Gradual loss of control
5.2 Loss of human agency and autonomyOtherUnintentionalOther
Environmental risk
6.6 Environmental harmOtherUnintentionalPre-deployment