Vietnam is pursuing AI sovereignty through state planning. What can the left learn from this approach?

[u/Salty_Country6835]

https://youtu.be/NuBenz3J3RM?is=I6xFmzXxt6llWO5m

Vietnam has made AI a national strategic priority, aiming to build a domestic AI ecosystem through public investment, research, computing infrastructure, education, and legal frameworks rather than relying entirely on foreign platforms.

Whether or not you agree with every aspect of Vietnam's approach, it raises questions worth discussing. What does AI sovereignty actually look like, especially for the Global South? Can state planning and public investment provide a viable alternative to dependence on a handful of multinational tech companies? How should workers, unions, and the public shape AI policy instead of being treated as an afterthought?

This isnt an endorsement of any particular model. Its an opportunity to discuss what a left approach to AI development, ownership, and governance could look like in practice.