Abstract: Beyond the hype of AI capabilities lies a fierce geopolitical and corporate struggle to build the next global empire. This talk unpacks the new logics of corporate expansion across the AI stack, conceptualizing AI as a general-purpose technology. Historically, the firms behind such technologies have faced immense challenges not only in driving adoption but, more critically, in capturing its value. In different ways, the big AI firms of today are all charting paths to overcome these problems – leading to a series of distinct expansionary strategies. This corporate competition, in turn, is inextricably linked to the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China. The presentation will critically assess the ‘AI race’ narrative, questioning its accuracy and exploring the complex interplay between national strategies and private sector interests. Ultimately, the talk aims to provide a new framework for understanding the strategic landscape of this critical 21st-century technology and the powerful forces shaping our digital future.
Speaker Bio-sketch: Nick Srnicek is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Economy at King’s College London. His research focuses on the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and anti-work politics. His books include Silicon Empires (Polity, 2025), After Work: A History of the Home and the Fight for Free Time (Verso, 2023 with Helen Hester), Platform Capitalism (Polity, 2016), and Inventing the Future: Postcapitalism and a World Without Work (Verso, 2015 with Alex Williams). Nick co-founded and has directed the Digital Economy MSc programme at KCL since 2023. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has been awarded an honorary professorship from the University of Buenos Aires.
The link to join the talk online will be shared soon.