WatSPEED - The Fog of War: Geopolitics, AI, and Global Power

From WatCamp (KW Tech Calendar)

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About the event

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the global balance of power — transforming economies, redefining national security, and accelerating geopolitical competition between nations. As governments and organizations race to secure technological advantage, executives are facing a new era of uncertainty where AI is no longer simply a business tool, but a strategic force shaping diplomacy, warfare, information, and influence. This webinar brings together leading experts to examine how AI is intensifying geopolitical tensions, altering the nature of global conflict, and challenging long-standing assumptions about governance, security, and international cooperation. From the emerging AI rivalry between the United States and China to the growing risks of misinformation, autonomous systems, and technological fragmentation, this discussion will unpack the implications for business leaders navigating an increasingly volatile world. What you will learn In this session, you’ll explore: Why AI is a geopolitical force, not just a technology: Understand how AI is shifting the balance of power between nations and reshaping the rules of global competition The US–China AI rivalry: Examine the accelerating race for AI supremacy, including semiconductor policy, export controls, and the strategic stakes for both sides AI and the fog of war: Explore how AI is transforming modern conflict — from autonomous weapons and battlefield intelligence to information operations and hybrid warfare Misinformation, influence, and information warfare: Understand how AI-generated content is weaponized to manipulate public opinion, elections, and international narratives Technological fragmentation and the splintering internet: Learn how competing national AI ecosystems are creating new risks for global trade, data flows, and multinational operations Governance gaps and the limits of international cooperation: Assess where global AI governance frameworks are failing and what leaders should watch What this means for executives and organizations: Practical frameworks for navigating geopolitical AI risk in strategy, supply chains, data governance, and investment decisions Reading ahead Our featured speaker has written extensively on the intersection of AI and geopolitics. For context ahead of the session, explore her recent analysis in The Globe and Mail: “In the age of AI, the fog of war thickens” “In the roiling cold war for AI supremacy, the US has let China back in” Meet your speakers Dr. Bessma Momani Professor, Political Science, University of Waterloo | Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation Dr. Bessma Momani is a full professor of Political Science at the University of Waterloo, a fellow at the NATO Defence College, and a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). She is currently a governor of the International Development Research Council, Advisory Board member on the Canadian International Council, and a Fulbright Scholar. She was associate vice-president in Waterloo's Office of Research for five years, a non-resident senior fellow at both the Brookings Institution and Stimson Center in Washington D.C., a consultant to the International Monetary Fund, a visiting scholar at Georgetown University's Mortara Center, and a 2015 Fellow of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. She also formerly sat on the National Security Transparency Advisory Group (NS-TAG) to advise the Deputy Minister of Public Safety Canada and other Government officials on improving transparency on Canada's national security and intelligence departments and agencies. Momani is a frequent contributor to international media on international affairs and writes regular op-eds in The Globe and Mail. Dr. Samantha Bradshaw Director, Center for Security, Innovation & New Technology; Assistant Professor | American University's School of International Service Dr. Samantha Bradshaw is the director of the Center for Security, Innovation & New Technology and an assistant professor at American University’s School of International Service. Her scholarship uses computational and qualitative methods to study technology’s impact on geopolitics and governance, with expertise in disinformation, online trust and safety, and emerging technologies. She has led global research on statebacked information operations, platform governance, and the security implications of AI and quantum computing. Samantha’s work has appeared in top academic journals and has been featured by major media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN. She frequently advises governments, industry, and international organizations such as NATO and UNESCO on technology policy and governance. Dr. Sarah Shoker Senior Research Scholar | UC Berkeley Risk & Security Lab As a senior research Scholar at UC Berkeley Risk & Security Lab(BRSL), Dr. Shoker’s research focuses on testing and evaluation of human-AI teams in military decision-making, with a particular emphasis on measuring compliance with international law and civilian protection. Dr. Shoker joined BRSL after almost four years at OpenAI as the lead of the Geopolitics Team and a member of the AGI Readiness and Product Policy Teams.

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