Reviving a Monroe Doctrine for Artificial Intelligence: Securing America’s Tech Future

Reviving a Monroe Doctrine for Artificial Intelligence: Securing America’s Tech Future

In the year 1823, President James Monroe established a crucial policy that defined American influence in the Western Hemisphere. He boldly declared that foreign interference, particularly from Europe, would not be tolerated, signaling America’s intent to dominate politically, economically, and militarily. The Monroe Doctrine, an audacious assertion of American intent, successfully reinforced America’s foothold as a burgeoning power. While America was not yet a superpower, it leveraged British naval dominance to create a coalition that fostered opportunities, ultimately laying the groundwork for its ascent on the global stage.

Today, a new inflection point arises. However, the battle territory has shifted from physical borders and maritime routes to the race for technological supremacy. In this modern era, the focus has shifted to computing power and the quest for techno-industrial dominance. The pace of change has never been more rapid, and the stakes, undeniably, are higher than ever before.

The Transformative Power of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence represents a turning point, transforming data centers into hubs of innovation and advancing productivity across sectors. In contemporary discussions about national value, a country’s worth now extends beyond human talent and natural resources. The ability to control hardware, define sovereignty, and influence the global AI technology landscape has become paramount.

Establishing a New AI Doctrine

To secure a leading position in this new age, the United States must adopt a revised Monroe Doctrine focused on AI. This doctrine should prioritize realism, aim to promote stability across the hemisphere, and concentrate on expanding America’s technological footprint.

Challenges of Export Controls

Recently, export controls have emerged as a common policy tool aimed at limiting China’s rise in AI technology. Unfortunately, these measures have had unintended consequences. Rather than stifling innovation in China, these restrictions have negatively impacted American companies like NVIDIA. This tech giant has seen its market share in China plummet from 95% to 50% within just four years, primarily due to U.S. policies that hinder legitimate sales.

As a direct result of these export controls, a vacuum has materialized in the second largest AI market globally. Huawei has seized this opportunity, not only creating competitive chips but also establishing an entire AI ecosystem that includes mining, chip design, and infrastructure. This situation illustrates a significant risk: by restricting access, the U.S. is inadvertently strengthening its rivals.

Expanding Technological Partnerships

Instead of becoming an unreliable trading partner, the United States should prioritize saturating the global market with secure, American-made chips. Such chips, designed with robust security standards, offer a vital competitive edge. The aim should be to make American technology as indispensable as the U.S. dollar. A strategy that promotes ubiquity over scarcity generates power and influence.

The Western Hemisphere remains a strategic advantage for the United States. Leaders across Latin America, such as Nayib Bukele of El Salvador and Javier Milei of Argentina, are moving away from outdated frameworks that have historically seemed anti-American. Their focus is now on pragmatic growth and collaboration. With these leaders amenable to deeper ties, the time for decisive action is now.

Nearshoring for Enhanced Manufacturing

Nearshoring goes beyond merely addressing supply chain vulnerabilities; it represents an intentional industrial strategy. The U.S. should emphasize high-end manufacturing, particularly in sectors such as data centers and semiconductors. Neighboring countries in the Americas can play a vital role in managing lower-margin production operations supporting AI infrastructure. This approach not only delivers cost benefits but promotes greater trust and transparency, particularly with nations such as Mexico, a leader in affordable manufacturing solutions.

A New AI Marshall Plan

Re-establishing a network anchored to America’s AI ecosystem is essential for building a foundation for the future. This strategy mirrors a Marshall Plan, focusing on advanced computing, chips, and software development. While China pursues its Belt and Road Initiative to create a low-cost, surveillance-driven ecosystem, we must develop a sphere of excellence characterized by mutual trust.

Countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan serve as critical players in the ongoing U.S.-China tech competition. Their advancements in fabrication, technological standards, and developer ecosystems significantly shape the global AI landscape. Strengthening relationships with these nations through open access to American technology can deter Chinese encroachment. If the U.S. fails to capitalize on these opportunities, China stands ready to usurp that potential.

The Expanding Sphere of Influence

The looming challenge is not confined to major players. Smaller nations like Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam all navigate intricate relationships with Beijing while seeking to deepen bilateral ties with the United States. The window to solidify these connections is open but will not remain so indefinitely.

This reality necessitates a critical re-evaluation of our approach to export controls and tariffs. Tariffs often create misaligned incentives and burden allies while raising the costs of necessary materials for advanced manufacturing endeavors. In fact, restrictions that limit collaboration with friendly nations may inadvertently empower Chinese competitors who are ready to step into any vacated spaces.

Staying Ahead of Geopolitical Shifts

Clarification is essential: the goal is not simply to slow down China’s progress. Rather, it is imperative to maintain momentum and leverage America’s strengths in thriving open markets. Achieving superiority depends heavily on bringing technology to scale.

As America consolidates its lead in AI technology and increasingly embeds itself in global supply chains, the time for decisive action is now. If the priority remains to contain China, we must reevaluate our approach to AI—not merely as a technological tool, but as a vital geopolitical asset.

Resisting Industrial Retreat

Flawed export measures and sweeping tariffs are counterproductive. These policies risk shrinking market share and inflating production costs while granting China the time and opportunity to innovate behind protective barriers. This approach represents an industrial retreat rather than a proactive strategy.

The solutions to these pressing challenges are straightforward. They require conviction and resolve. If China successfully achieves independent artificial general intelligence while exporting its standards to current allies, the implications would be dire. The U.S. risks losing both influence and the foundational elements that propelled it to superpower status. However, if the nation positions itself as the default choice for AI, floods friendly markets with our superior technology, and builds a manufacturing landscape across the hemisphere, the promise is substantial. The U.S. can not only retain its lead but cement it for generations to come.

The original Monroe Doctrine set the stage for an American century thanks to aligned partners and clear strategic priorities. In today’s AI landscape, a similar approach is essential—focusing on nearshored production, reinforced Indo-Pacific alliances, and fostering trade practices that create markets unencumbered by barriers. This is the path to making Beijing reconsider its approach and strategy.