
Yes, competition and advancements in artificial intelligence significantly affect a nation's influence rating (i-rating).
The global AI race is a critical determinant of geopolitical standing in 2026.
Nations actively developing AI see direct impacts on their influence scores. China leads with 38 tracked signals related to AI, followed closely by Artificial Intelligence as a topic with 20 tracked signals, and the United States with 16 tracked signals. A country's overall influence score, currently at 18/100, is increasingly tied to its AI capabilities and development.
AI's reach extends beyond military or economic sectors into public life and national stability. Signals reveal "Voters Are Asking A.I. About Elections. The Answers Can Vary by User.", underscoring AI's role in domestic politics and information landscapes. This widespread integration elevates AI development to a core component of national power, alongside other global challenges such as "Ukraine faces 'toughest winter' since Russia's full-scale invasion".