Multilateralism in the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract: This chapter inquires how international multilateralism addresses the emergence of the general-purpose technology of Artificial Intelligence. In more detail, it analyses two key features of AI multilateralism: its generalized principles and the coordination of state relations in the realm of AI. Firstly, it distinguishes the generalized principles of AI multilateralism of epochal change, determinism, and dialectical understanding. In the second place, the adaptation of multilateralism to AI led to the integration of AI issues into the agendas of existing cooperation frameworks and the creation of new ad hoc frameworks focusing exclusively on AI issues. In both cases, AI multilateralism develops in the shadow of the state hierarchy in relations with other AI stakeholders. While AI multilateralism is multi-stakeholder, and the hierarchy between state and non-state actors may seem blurred, states preserve the competence as decisive decision-makers in agenda-setting, negotiation, and implementation of soft law international commitments.