show index hide index
In Russia, artificial intelligence is taking on a strategic dimension under government pressure, with profound implications for both the economy and politics. At the international AI conference organized by Russia’s largest bank, a humanoid robot greeted President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the importance of generative AI technologies. Based on the National AI Development Strategy, Moscow aims to contribute over 11 trillion rubles to GDP by 2030. However, AI is also being used for control, censorship, and the promotion of an official ideology, illustrating a desire to strengthen the ruling power, regardless of economic and social realities, in line with the vision defined by sociologist Karl Mannheim and political analyst Hannah Arendt. The rise of artificial intelligence in Russia is supported by a government strategy that prioritizes economic, military, and surveillance objectives. The National AI Development Strategyplaces particular emphasis on the implementation of AI technologies that bear the imprint of an official ideology, serving both to strengthen the existing power structure, modernize the economy, and refine systems for controlling the population.
Russia’s National AI Development Strategy Adopted in 2019 and updated in 2024, the
National AI Development Strategy
is an integral part of Russia’s ambitions to implement this technology in various sectors. The stated goal is to exceed 11 trillion rubles in contributions to GDP by 2030. This policy clearly demonstrates the strategic importance that the Russian government attaches to artificial intelligence in the economic sphere. Military and Surveillance Applications of AI Beyond economic applications, artificial intelligence in Russia also serves military and political purposes. The government uses these technologies not only to modernize weaponry but also to enhance its capacity for population control, censorship, and the dissemination of ideological propaganda. AI thus becomes a tool for strengthening the state’s position both domestically and internationally.
Ideology and Social Control The use of AI technologies in Russia is closely linked to the manipulation of an official ideology that maintains the existing political order. As sociologist Karl Mannheim argues, ideology can mask the reality of power relations and economic relationships. It contributes to reinforcing a structure where the state maintains strict control over information, in line with Hannah Arendt’s thinking, for whom ideology is detached from practical reality.
The Impact on the Technological and Social Future
Russia is betting on an AI shaped by an ideology that could have a lasting impact on how technology is perceived and used globally. While some see potential in the democratization of the digital economy, others warn of the dangers of excessive surveillance and increased censorship. This dichotomy raises profound questions about the future of artificial intelligence and its role in society, both in Russia and globally.
