AI Around The World In 2026

AI capability is accelerating globally and is reaching more people than ever, according to Stanford HAI’s 2026 report.
The once-existent U.S.-China AI model performance gap has effectively closed.
The U.S. retains dominance in the AI infrastructure domain, hosting the most AI data centers and having most chips fabricated by a Taiwanese foundry.
The international landscape of AI is becoming increasingly multi-polar, with multiple nations investing in and contributing to global AI advancements.
Strategic “choke points” including capital markets and infrastructure for data centers play a crucial role in international competition and strategy.
Collaboration between private sector tech companies and public sector governments is critical in national security and defense tech.
There’s skepticism about the urgency and regulation around AI, with some experts challenging the assumptions of clear “winners” in the AI race.
Open-source model advancements allow for cost-effective developments in nations like China where strict regulations drive robust safety protocols.