Beyond Nuclear Fears: Building Inclusive, Indigenous‑Rooted AI Governance for Global Peace
Original framing: “From the Nuclear Age to the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Can Humanity Build a New Architecture for Peace?” — Global Issues
The transition from the nuclear age to the AI age mirrors past arms races, where scientific breakthroughs were rapidly militarised, from the Manhattan Project to modern autonomous weapons. Historical analysis shows that treaties like the Non‑Proliferation Treaty succeeded only after civil society pressure and verification mechanisms exposed the catastrophic risks of unchecked proliferation. Recognising these patterns warns that without robust verification, AI could repeat the same escalation dynamics.
The promise of AI as a new peace architecture cannot be separated from the historical legacy of nuclear deterrence, the entrenched power of defense industries, and the cultural blind spots that marginalise Indigenous and Global South perspectives.
By weaving together scientific verification, Indigenous relational ethics, and cross‑cultural governance models, a multi‑layered treaty can transform AI from a weaponizable commodity into a public good. Trickster insights remind us that any claim of singular technological salvation masks deeper inequities, urging continuous vigilance. Implementing transparent verification, co‑governance councils, and a reallocation of research funds creates concrete pathways that align AI development with ecological stewardship and social justice, offering a resilient foundation for global peace.