The Geopolitics of AI: from chips and compute to power and influence
How AI is Rewiring Global Power: from Silicon to Sovereignty
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Artificial intelligence is no longer just a technology story—it’s statecraft.
This keynote maps how AI is reshaping global power: from semiconductor chokepoints and cloud compute to data governance, standards wars, and the weaponization of information.
As Stanford University Research Fellow on AI with experience in China and the USA, Tom Van de Weghe unpacks the US–China rivalry, Europe’s regulatory bet, and how the Global South is leveraging AI for development—and leverage with great powers.
The session closes with a pragmatic playbook for leaders: how to de-risk dependencies, invest in trustworthy AI, and turn uncertainty into strategic advantage.
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Tom Van de Weghe is a leading geopolitical and tech expert at VRT NWS (Belgian public broadcaster) with years of experience as a correspondent in China and the U.S. and Stanford Research Fellow on AI.
He deciphers global power shifts, from the rise of China to the impact of artificial intelligence on society. With firsthand insights from conflict zones and top-level interviews with world leaders such as Donald Trump, Tom delivers gripping, well-researched talks that connect complex topics to real-world impact.
His award-winning, engaging storytelling, deep knowledge, and clear analysis make him a must-book speaker for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone who wants to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.
His expertise is remarkable and spans a broad spectrum of geopolitical, economic, and tech-related topics, including:
Geopolitics & Global Power: U.S.-China--Russia-India power struggle
Technopolar world
Economic warfare & sanctions
Taiwan & Ukraine conflict analysis
Supply chain geopolitics
Global trade & semiconductors
BRICS & emerging economies
Technology & AI AI as a geopolitical weapon
Cybersecurity & digital warfare
Surveillance capitalism
AI-driven disinformation campaigns
Quantum computing & global security
Big tech’s influence on democracy
China’s AI dominance & India’s rise
Media & Information Warfare : Disinformation & deepfakes
AI in journalism & media ethics
The future of investigative reporting
Social media as a geopolitical tool
Censorship vs. digital freedom
Influence operations & propaganda
Defense & national security : Military AI & autonomous weapons
Space warfare & satellite geopolitics
Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure
Defense strategies in an AI-driven world
Hybrid warfare tactics
Book Tom now for a talk that informs, inspires, and challenges perspectives on geopolitics and technology.
Geopolitical & Tech expert for VRT NWS, former China- and USA correspondent, Stanford Research Fellow on Artificial Intelligence
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