"Russia Is a Serious Player in the AI Race"

Abstract

The advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, especially “large” language models, have raised many expectations, both positive and alarmist. This phenomenon can be compared to atomic energy: at one point in time, it created many new opportunities, but also generated new, previously unprecedented threats. Similarly, AI can enhance scientific, technological and economic development, but also increase inter-state inequalities, as nuclear weapons did decades ago. The emergence of large language models is perhaps the first time in history when information technology has so boldly stepped into an area that humanitarians have come to regard as belonging only to human consciousness, namely the creation of new texts. One cannot help but notice that humanitarians panic to some extent and seek their own explanations for what is happening. In order to make sure that these explanations do not ignore a solid technological basis and do not go into philosophical debates, Comparative Politics Russia spoke to a specialist from the front line of AI technology development in Russia. The guest of today's interview is Dr. Arutyun I. Avetisyan, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Director of V.P. Ivannikov Institute of System Programming of the Russian Academy of Sciences.