Author: Cai Cuihong 、Hou Lexuan
Abstract:
Against the backdrop of intensifying global competition in artificial intelligence, Latin American countries are confronted with unprecedented technological dependence and geopolitical pressure. As major technological powers such as the United States, China, and the European Union engage in intensifying competition over artificial intelligence, competition in technological systems, regulatory frameworks and standards, and industrial ecosystems has continuously spilled over into developing countries, significantly constraining the strategic autonomy of Latin American nations. This paper develops an innovative analytical framework of multi-dimensional hedging to systematically explain the complex strategic behavior of Latin American countries in the field of artificial intelligence. The study argues that Latin American countries do not passively accept the global technological order. Instead, they proactively seek limited yet crucial space for autonomy amid major-power competition through a refined strategy driven by both domestic and external factors and advanced in a coordinated manner across three dimensions: technology, institutions, and alliances. Taking Latin American countries including Brazil and Chile as well as their regional cooperation practices as case studies, this paper examines in depth the strategic motivations behind Latin America’s implementation of multi-dimensional hedging, further demonstrates the strategic logic and practical effectiveness of such hedging, and reveals the structural challenges it faces. This paper introduces hedging theory in international relations to the high-tech field of artificial intelligence, and on this basis expands its multi-dimensional analytical perspective, emphasizing the multiple combinations of hedging targets and strategic instruments. It provides a new perspective for understanding the strategic choices of late-developing countries in global tech geopolitics. In practical terms, this research helps deepen the understanding of the strategic trajectories of Latin American countries in artificial intelligence, and offers useful insights for other developing countries in the Global South in formulating strategies for the development and governance of artificial intelligence.
Keywords: Latin America; Artificial Intelligence; Multi-dimensional Hedging; The Global South; Artificial Intelligence Strategy
Journal: Journal of Latin American Studies, (1).
Publish date：2026/1/4
