Digital Power Struggles – Security Politics in the Age of AI

We are delighted to invite you to the event ‘Digital Power Struggles – Security Politics in the Age of AI’. The event will take place on Thursday, 3 July 2025 at 5:15 p.m. at the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe.

Artificial intelligence has long been more than just a technology of the future – it is rapidly changing the foundations of international security. While authoritarian states are using AI specifically for surveillance, control and securing power, democratic societies are also coming under pressure. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report, deliberately disseminated misinformation through AI-generated content poses a significant threat to the legitimacy of democratically elected governments. At the same time, the use of AI raises new security policy issues, as autonomous weapon systems, algorithmically controlled target acquisition and unclear responsibilities are changing the logic of armed conflict. Whoever controls the algorithms also decides on interpretive authority, deterrence and protective mechanisms in an increasingly digitalised world order.

Fundamental conflicts of interest are becoming apparent, particularly in the relationship between Europe and the United States. Issues surrounding data sovereignty, infrastructure control and the regulation of AI applications are straining transatlantic cooperation. While European countries are calling for more control and transparency, US technology companies are setting global standards – often without democratic feedback. For example, US President Donald Trump revoked a decree by his predecessor Joe Biden that stipulates that the use of AI must be assessed for risks. At the same time, authoritarian states such as Russia and China are deliberately using technologies for surveillance, influence and the strategic destabilisation of democratic systems

Against this backdrop, we are delighted to welcome Paula Köhler from the Munich Security Conference (MSC) to the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe on Thursday, 3 July 2025, at 5:15 p.m. She works as a policy advisor at the Munich Security Conference on technology and defence issues and is particularly interested in the role of NATO, information warfare and disinformation, as well as the impact of new and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence on warfare.

Together with Paula Köhler, we want to discuss the following questions: How are new technologies such as AI changing the international security order? What does technological dependence on the US mean for Europe’s ability to act in foreign and security policy? What role do tech giants and private actors play in security policy conflicts – and where should state regulation come in? How can Europe become technologically sovereign without isolating itself?

The event is part of the new ‘Young European Security Talks’ series. With this series, we want to discuss current security policy issues with young people – in conversation with experts and social innovators.

We look forward to your participation and ask that you register online or by email by 2 July 2025.