US AI Action Plan: A Strategy of “Domestic Openness, Global Control”

Kathmandu, Nepal – The United States government recently unveiled its AI Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at securing its dominance in artificial intelligence, which it describes as a “defining battle of the 21st century.” The plan outlines over 90 recommendations, covering technological innovation, AI applications, and global governance. Many analysts see this as the most significant AI policy directive from the current US administration—one that could reshape the global economic and political order.

However, beneath its seemingly transparent approach, the plan reveals a dual strategy: promoting open-source AI domestically while enforcing closed-source policies globally to maintain control. For countries like Nepal, which are still developing their AI ecosystems, understanding this strategy is crucial to navigating the future of technology and avoiding over-dependence on foreign-controlled systems.

Why Is the US AI Plan an “Overt Scheme”?

1. Highly Publicized Policy Process
   The US government has been transparent in drafting this plan—but with clear intentions. Following the rise of AI giants like DeepSeek, the Trump administration sought public input, collecting over 10,000 comments from experts, tech firms, and think tanks. This open consultation was not just about gathering ideas but also about preparing the public for major AI policy shifts and testing reactions before finalizing decisions.

2. Already in Motion Before Official Release
   Long before this document was published, the US had been actively shaping global AI rules. Through initiatives like the Stargate Project, Washington is expanding AI infrastructure worldwide while using chip export controls and investment policies to dominate the market. The AI Action Plan is merely a formal announcement of what has already been underway.

The Hidden Agendas in the US AI Strategy

While the plan emphasizes innovation and transparency, a closer look reveals strategic manipulations:

• “Objective AI” – A Smokescreen for Control
  The US claims it will only work with AI developers that ensure “unbiased and ideologically free” systems. Yet, it simultaneously accuses Chinese AI models of being under government censorship. This is a classic case of projecting its own issues onto rivals. Recent controversies, like Grok AI’s racist and politically inflammatory outputs, show that US models are far from neutral. By setting “ethical AI” standards, the US is actually trying to control the narrative and exclude competitors.

• Open Source at Home, Closed Source Abroad
  The plan pretends to support open-source AI, but in reality, major US tech firms (Meta, OpenAI, Google) refuse to share critical AI models, fearing foreign competition. Instead, the US promotes open-source only for domestic startups and academia, helping them access computing power while keeping global competitors locked out. This ensures that while American companies benefit from shared resources, the rest of the world remains dependent on US-controlled proprietary systems.

What Does This Mean for Nepal?

For Nepal, which is still in the early stages of AI adoption, the US strategy presents both opportunities and risks:

✔ Opportunities:

• Access to open-source tools (if selectively available) could help Nepali startups and researchers.

• Collaboration with US tech firms could bring investment and knowledge transfer.

❌ Risks:

• Dependency on US-controlled AI could limit Nepal’s ability to develop independent AI systems.

• If the US enforces closed-source policies globally, Nepal may face restrictions in accessing cutting-edge AI models.

• Geopolitical tensions (US vs. China) could force Nepal into choosing sides in the AI race.

The Path Forward for Nepal

To avoid being caught in the US-China AI rivalry, Nepal should:

1. Develop Local AI Policies – Create a national AI strategy that prioritizes self-reliance and ethical AI development.

2. Encourage Open-Source Adoption – Support homegrown AI research and avoid over-reliance on foreign proprietary models.

3. Strengthen International Partnerships – Work with non-aligned tech nations to build a balanced AI ecosystem.

Conclusion: A Double Game in AI Dominance

The US AI Action Plan is not just about technological leadership—it’s about controlling the global AI supply chain. By pushing open-source domestically and closed-source globally, the US aims to keep the world dependent on its systems while blocking competitors.

For Nepal, the key takeaway is clear: Build your own AI future, or risk being left behind in someone else’s game.

Pic: Source GlobalTimes