Cuihong, C., & Yin, J. (2025). Cultural and Ethical Foundations of AI Governance Divergence: A Comparative Analysis of China and the West. Política Internacional, VII (No. 1), 215-233.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14473453

ABSTRACT 

This research examines the cultural and ethical foundations underlying differences in artificial intelligence (AI) governance between China and the West, highlighting the influence of Confucian ethics and liberalism on governance frameworks. By contrasting the priorities, methods, and visions guiding governance, this study demonstrates that China’s Confucian-influenced model prioritizes collective welfare and government-led, performance-based governance, while the liberal values driving Western approaches focus on individual rights and a multi-stakeholder contractual governance model. Analyzing these approaches through the lens of Weberian path theory reveals their impact not only on specific policies and gover-nance practices but also on shaping global AI governance frameworks. Findings indicate that the collectivist ethos of Confucianism offers a macro-level perspective favoring cooperation and development in global governance, while the individual rights emphasis of liberalism provides a theoretical basis for rights protection mechanisms. The study suggests that understanding and integrating these cultural and ethical dimensions can foster a balanced global AI governance framework that promotes both development and risk management.

Keywords: 

AI governance; Ethical Governance; Cultural Divergence; Confucian Thought; Liberalism Ideals