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US Must Diffuse AI, Not Chase Innovation, Expert Says

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jeffrey Ding, a political science professor at George Washington University, argues diffusion, not innovation, will decide the US–China AI winner.
Ding criticizes U.S. President Donald Trump's policies as counterproductive and says misconceptions about each country's AI strengths persist.
He urges the United States to diffuse AI across its economy rather than chase a rapid race to artificial general intelligence.

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Story summary

Jeffrey Ding, a political science professor at George Washington University, argues diffusion, not innovation, will decide the US–China AI winner.
Ding criticizes U.S. President Donald Trump's policies as counterproductive and says misconceptions about each country's AI strengths persist.
He urges the United States to diffuse AI across its economy rather than chase a rapid race to artificial general intelligence.