In Russia, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is accompanied by a strong ideological dimension. President Vladimir Putin, during his recent speech at the “Sber – AI Journey international conference,” stated that generative AI technologies are of strategic importance to the country. This phenomenon raises questions about how these technologies are used, both to stimulate the economy and to enhance control and surveillance within the country.
Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Economic Development
The National Strategy for AI Development, established in 2019 and revised in 2024, aims to increase the contribution of AI technologies to the Russian gross domestic product (GDP) to more than 11 trillion rubles by 2030. This initiative highlights Russia’s ambitious desire to position itself among the global leaders in the field of AI. However, the emphasis on the economic potential of AI cannot overshadow the deep political implications that arise from it.
A Tool for Social Control
The use of AI technologies is not limited to the economy; they also extend to darker realms. Artificial intelligence could be exploited to enhance systems of surveillance, censorship, and even state ideology. These technologies, instead of being solely a vector for progress, offer an effective means of maintaining control over the Russian population through intensified control mechanisms and information manipulation.
The Relaunching of an Ideological Discourse
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, some hoped that ideology might give way to a global order based on liberal democracy. However, it must be acknowledged that ideology, in the sense that it structures power by concealing uncomfortable truths, has not disappeared. The reaffirmation of Russian power uses ideological narratives that are rooted in a historical past, while also leveraging AI to disseminate these discourses. This raises moral and ethical issues regarding the political function of AI.
The Global Dimension of AI Technologies
While ideology seems to resist change, the implications of AI are not limited to Russia. AI technologies, particularly those used in propaganda and mass manipulation, could have a significant impact on the global stage. As contemporary sociology points out, biased systems of ideas can be amplified by the power of digital technologies, transforming political narratives into tools of domination that transcend borders.
A Warning to Humanity
This process of ideological amplification through AI calls for vigilance and critical reflection. The exploitation of future technologies for control and propaganda poses challenges not only to Russia but also to the entire international community. AI systems can both transform societies for the better while carrying within them the seeds of increased control, intrusive surveillance, and a distortion of reality.
In conclusion, the advancement of artificial intelligence within the Russian context illustrates how modern technologies can be closely linked to ideological issues. The derived effects of this appropriation of AI could have repercussions well beyond Russian borders, making open debate around the ethics and use of these innovations necessary.
