Al Jazeera · 23 Sep, 10:36 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

As AI leaders warn of catastrophe, US and China shun slowdown calls

Despite prominent AI experts warning of potential catastrophic risks, both the United States and China have rejected calls to slow down artificial intelligence development.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Despite prominent AI experts warning of potential catastrophic risks, both the United States and China have rejected calls to slow down artificial intelligence development. Instead, these global powers are accelerating their efforts, viewing AI advancement as a critical component of national competitiveness and strategic advantage. This divergence highlights a growing gap between safety concerns raised by industry leaders and the geopolitical reality where economic and military superiority drives policy. For professionals, this signals that AI integration will proceed rapidly regardless of ethical debates, making technical adaptation and strategic alignment with these accelerating trends essential for career resilience.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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You must prepare for a landscape where AI adoption accelerates unchecked by regulatory brakes. Traditional roles face immediate disruption, while skills in managing AI-driven workflows become indispensable. Focus on upskilling in areas that complement, rather than compete with, automated systems. Prioritise learning how to govern and strategise around these tools, as organisations will seek leaders who can navigate rapid technological change without compromising operational integrity. You should actively seek training in AI strategy and governance to position yourself as a bridge between technical capabilities and business objectives. Ignoring this shift risks obsolescence; embracing it offers significant leverage. Start by auditing your current skill set against emerging AI requirements, then enrol in targeted courses that enhance your ability to direct, rather than merely use, these powerful technologies.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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