A new Economic Times analysis highlights a striking geopolitical divide in how artificial intelligence (AI) is being perceived and adopted around the world. In many Western countries — especially the U.S. and parts of Europe — public debates about AI increasingly focus on scepticism, regulation, job loss, and ethical risk, creating what some analysts describe as a “tech winter” of caution. By contrast, countries in the Global South, particularly in South Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, are enthusiastically embracing AI as a catalyst for economic growth, public service improvement, and digital inclusion, giving rise to what the article calls a “digital spring.”
In the West, magnified media attention on high-profile controversies — from alleged harms of generative models to misinformation and algorithmic bias — has fuelled scepticism among policymakers, investors, and segments of the public. Tech leaders and regulators are deeply engaged in discussions about safety standards, ethical frameworks, and even existential risk, which some critics say slows down investment and dampens innovation momentum. Investors are also more cautious, often favouring risk-averse strategies over aggressive AI expansion.
Meanwhile, in many Global South nations, AI is increasingly seen as a practical tool with immediate real-world applications. Governments are promoting sovereign AI infrastructure, expanding digital public services, and reimagining sectors like agriculture, education, and healthcare through machine learning and automation. Countries such as India are investing in localized AI models and digital inclusion strategies that prioritise multi-lingual support and affordable computing — efforts that resonate with broad segments of the population and stimulate cross-sector adoption.
The article suggests that this divergence reflects differing priorities: while the West grapples with managing risk and regulation, many emerging economies are focused on accelerated deployment and socio-economic upliftment. This “AI divide” could shape global technological leadership in the coming decade, with countries that harness AI for broad economic participation potentially leapfrogging legacy tech powers in adoption and impact — even if they lag in foundational research or cutting-edge model development.
