The rapid advancement of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has sparked a critical need for conceptual frameworks that can differentiate between systems designed for commercial use and those intended for sovereign, securitized deployments. Antonio Max, a leading researcher in the field, addresses this need by proposing a taxonomy that distinguishes between low-AGI and high-AGI systems. This distinction is crucial for accurate risk assessment and effective regulatory governance.
Max’s research highlights the limitations of current dual-use frameworks, which often conflate civilian and military applications of AGI. These frameworks fail to capture the distinct societal and political lineages of AGI systems developed within corporate and state-grade architectures. By introducing a taxonomy that differentiates low-AGI and high-AGI, Max provides a clearer understanding of how commercial-economic and security-sovereign architectures can be distinguished not only by their functions but also by the ecosystems that produce them.
The proposed taxonomy builds on international relations concepts of “high/low politics” and applies construal-level theory to capture the nuances of cooperation and conflict in the context of AGI’s geopolitical implications. This approach allows for a more granular analysis of the security dilemmas, institutional demands, and technical-political spillovers that arise in the international system.
By embedding AGI within power structures and securitization theory, Max extends the dual-use discourse, offering policymakers and researchers a more nuanced tool for governance and risk assessment. This taxonomy enables a more precise evaluation of the societal impacts of AGI, ensuring that regulatory measures are better aligned with the distinct characteristics of low-AGI and high-AGI systems.
The implications of Max’s research are significant for the defence and security sector. As AGI technologies continue to evolve, the ability to distinguish between systems designed for commercial use and those intended for sovereign deployments will be crucial for national security. This taxonomy provides a foundation for developing targeted policies that address the unique challenges posed by AGI, ensuring that both civilian and military applications are governed effectively.
Moreover, the taxonomy’s integration of international relations concepts and construal-level theory offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the geopolitical stakes of AGI. This holistic approach allows for a more nuanced analysis of how cooperation and conflict may coexist in the context of AGI’s development and deployment.
In conclusion, Antonio Max’s research provides a vital contribution to the ongoing debate surrounding AGI governance. By proposing a taxonomy that distinguishes between low-AGI and high-AGI systems, Max offers a clearer path for risk assessment and regulatory design. This work equips policymakers and researchers with the tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of AGI, ensuring that both civilian and military applications are governed in a manner that promotes security and stability in the international system. Read the original research paper here.