Russia’s securitised approach to AI sovereignty

In the context of the world’s major powers competing for dominance in the artificial intelligence (AI) realm, Russia aims to become a global leader in AI development. This article evaluates Russian AI governance through the lenses of the key AI sovereignty enablers (KASE) framework and the Copenhagen School’s securitisation theory. The Russian government’s approach to AI governance, in line with its broader approach to digital governance, grants extensive powers to state security and law enforcement entities, while major domestic AI market players are state-influenced. This securitised approach to AI sovereignty and governance stems from concerns about the country’s stability, alongside a high degree of politicisation of digital governance. The article argues that the likely impact of Russian securitisation of AI governance will be further consolidation of state control over AI innovations and a narrowing of the space for non-state technological developments.