Power, Code, & Control: AI in the New Geopolitical Order

Join us for an interactive discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping global power and governance with Vassilis Koutsoumpas, Digital Policy & AI Adviser to the Prime Minister of Greece and J. Michael McQuade Director of the Program on Emerging Technology, Scientific Advancement & Global Policy at the Belfer Centre.

AI is no longer merely a technological frontier—it has become a central instrument of geopolitical influence. From military strategy and intelligence gathering to industrial policy, surveillance, and digital sovereignty, AI systems are redefining how power is exercised, contested, and constrained in the 21st century. As states and corporations race to control data, compute, and standards, the implications for democracy, economic competitiveness, and individual rights are profound.

This conversation will explore how AI is transforming the balance of power between governments, markets, and citizens, and what this shift means for global order, Europe’s strategic position and Greece’s emerging role.

Can regulation, values-based governance, and targeted public investment offer a credible alternative to the dominant US–China techno-rivalry? What choices made today will shape political authority and autonomy tomorrow?

This event is co-organized by the Greek Caucus in collaboration with the AI & Tech Policy Caucus.

Speakers

Vassilis Koutsoumpas is a Digital Policy and AI Adviser at the Office of the Prime Minister of Greece, leading efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into policymaking and governance. He is also the National Representative of Greece on AI at the Council of Europe and Vice-Chair of the AI & Education Committee. He previously served as a Special Adviser at the General Secretariat of the Prime Minister . With a background in law & public policy, he has worked in government advisory roles and consulting, servicing clients in the TMT industry & financial institutions through Brunswick Group and in healthcare though Healthsperien LLC. He is the Co-Founder & former Executive of WeFor, an NGO focused on the sustainable development goals. He has also worked as a special adviser at the Municipality of Athens. He has been recognized as Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, a Clinton Foundation Fellow, and a Globsec Young Leader. He is graduate of Georgetown University as an Onassis Foundation Scholar and the Democritus University of Thrace.

J. Michael McQuade is the Director of the Program on Emerging Technology, Scientific Advancement & Global Policy at the Belfer Center.

Formerly Vice President for Research and Special Advisor to the President of Carnegie Mellon University, Senior Vice President for Science & Technology at United Technologies Corporation, leading the medical products division of 3M’s global healthcare portfolio, and President of Eastman Kodak’s Health Imaging business.