A Better Way to Build AI: America’s Dominance Depends on Getting Local Communities on Board
Foreign Affairs
To maintain global AI leadership, the U.S. must resolve the tension between national infrastructure ambitions and local community consent through transparent, collaborative governance.Summary
The United States faces a critical challenge in scaling its AI infrastructure: the decentralized political system grants local communities veto power, creating friction between federal technological ambitions and local priorities. Unlike China's centralized model, which prioritizes speed over local dissent, the U.S. must cultivate 'local legitimacy' to succeed. The author argues that treating community buy-in as a strategic asset rather than a hurdle—through standardized transparency, tangible local benefits, and institutionalized engagement—is essential for building the physical foundation of AI leadership without inciting permanent opposition.
(Source：Foreign Affairs)