Between technopolitics and geopolitics: AI and middle-power governance in the United Kingdom and Australia

This article examines a significant paradox within the global AI policy landscape, which is the proliferation of AI policies by nation states vs. the perception that national regulation of global technologies like AI is largely ineffective. While the United States, China and the European Union have been claimed to be ‘Digital Empires’ shaping AI governance, this study focuses on the approaches of two middle-sized nations, the United Kingdom and Australia. Both countries, outside the ‘Digital Empires’, have historically been significant policy agents in the global digital space and are developing distinctive AI policy frameworks. Through a qualitative content analysis of six generative AI (GenAI) policy documents from 2021 to 2024, the article identifies shared policy foundations – commitment to domestic AI sector growth and recognition of AI’s transformative potential – but highlights divergences in leadership aspirations and implementation methodologies. The United Kingdom prioritizes AI research and industrial dominance with aspirational objectives, while Australia focuses on trustworthiness, safety and accountability through practical measures and integration with existing governance instruments. This study contributes to understanding the global AI policy landscape by examining how middle powers navigate AI governance amidst the influence of global tech giants and the major AI powers.