338 …In this environment, innovation is not just a business advantage; it is national posture. As Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith recently noted, Given the nature of technology markets and their potential network effects, this race between the U.S. and China for international influence likely will be won by the fastest first mover. Hence, the United States needs a smart international strategy to rapidly support American AI around the world… …The Chinese wisely recognize that if a country standardizes on China’s AI platform, it likely will continue to rely on that platform in the future. The best response for the United States is not to complain about the competition but to ensure we win the race ahead. This will require that we move quickly and effectively to promote American AI as a superior alternative. And it will need the involvement and support of American allies and friends. Lastly, AI is changing how we interact with the world around us. With affordable satellite connectivity expanding access to remote and underserved regions, the next wave of internet users will likely come online through AI-native experiences – skipping traditional app ecosystems and jumping straight into conversational, multimodal agents. Similarly, AI uptake is accelerating in the workplace and has the potential to shape how people spend the one third of their lives at work. As usage patterns evolve and unit costs decline, we may be witnessing the early stages of an internet where intelligence is the default interface – accessible, contextual, and increasingly personal. This is all amplified by the growing flow and transparency of information and capital – and the increasing examples of weaponization. It comes at a time when global powers are more openly asserting autocracy-versus-democracy agendas. As technology and geopolitics increasingly intertwine, uncertainty is rising. One thing is certain – it’s gametime for AI, and it’s only getting more intense… and the genie is not going back in the bottle. …Summary