Putin’s BRICS AI Alliance: How Russia Is Challenging US Tech Dominance

Russia Leverages BRICS to Compete in Global AI Development

As the AI rivalry between the United States and China intensifies, Russia is making a strategic move to remain relevant in the race. Vladimir Putin views artificial intelligence as a cornerstone of Russia’s plan to challenge Western dominance. After years of Western sanctions that have weakened Russia’s economy and innovation capacity, Moscow is turning to the BRICS group to develop a parallel AI ecosystem.

The BRICS bloc, originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. This coalition now represents about 35% of the global economy and is positioning itself as a key player in AI development and governance.

Russia’s Strategic Push for AI Leadership via BRICS

Putin has long emphasized AI's strategic importance. Since 2017, he has introduced directives to boost Russia’s AI sector, including integrating AI into national defense and economic strategies. Russia updated its AI development plan through 2030, focusing on research, development, and capturing a larger share of the global AI market.

BRICS offers Russia an opportunity for international cooperation. The group has prioritized AI governance by establishing an AI Study Group tasked with creating frameworks and standards. Analysts report that many large companies within BRICS countries are shifting away from Western AI models towards alternatives from China, Russia, and the UAE.

• BRICS economies could see AI-driven value worth between $350 billion and $600 billion by 2030.
• BRICS discussions include implementing Russian and Chinese AI infrastructure in developing nations to promote a multipolar world order.
• Russia has led the creation of a BRICS AI Alliance to foster joint research and regulation.

Expanding Partnerships Beyond BRICS

Russia is also strengthening ties with other countries opposed to U.S. influence. Cooperation with China includes a joint declaration on AI collaboration, covering regulation, digital infrastructure integration, and shared AI model development.

Similarly, Russia and Iran signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement to facilitate cooperation between educational and scientific institutions. Iranian officials view this partnership as a way to counteract U.S. sanctions.

Implications for U.S. Policy and AI Competition

BRICS has evolved into more than a political alliance; it is a growing coalition that challenges U.S. interests through AI collaboration and sanctions circumvention. The U.S. currently uses export controls on advanced semiconductors to limit China’s AI progress but may need to extend such controls to BRICS members to effectively curb adversarial innovation.

To maintain AI leadership, the U.S. should consider forming its own alliance of democracies focused on AI research, development, and governance. Establishing international norms and laws for AI security is becoming the next critical battleground in global technology competition.

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