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Stephen Moore Discusses America’s Role in the Internet Revolution and the Need to Lead the Age of AI on The Ben Shapiro Show


Top Points

  • The U.S. dominated the rise of the internet and gained enormous economic and strategic advantages from it: Stephen Moore explains that America’s early leadership created major industries, millions of jobs, and global influence through technological innovation.

  • Artificial intelligence is the next transformative technological era, and leadership in AI will shape global power: Moore argues that AI will affect every major sector, from healthcare to national security, and that the countries leading AI development will control future economic and strategic direction.

  • The U.S. must invest in innovation, education, and smart policy to maintain its technological edge: Moore emphasizes that leadership in AI will require strong research funding, STEM education, public-private partnerships, and a regulatory environment that encourages innovation rather than restrains it.


Full Report:

On a recent episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, economist Stephen Moore joined Ben Shapiro to discuss the United States’ historic dominance in shaping the internet era and the importance of maintaining that leadership as artificial intelligence becomes the central driver of global innovation. Moore argued that the country’s technological achievements of the last three decades were no accident and warned that failing to lead in AI could have profound economic and strategic consequences.


America’s Historic Leadership in the Digital Revolution

Moore opened the conversation by reflecting on the rise of the internet in the 1990s and early 2000s. He noted that the United States was the birthplace of nearly every transformative online platform of the era, from early search engines and social networks to cloud computing and e-commerce.


According to Moore, this dominance created millions of high-paying jobs, sparked entire new industries, and positioned the U.S. as the central hub of global digital infrastructure. He emphasized that this advantage shaped the modern world and gave the U.S. significant economic strength.


Moore pointed out that the success of Silicon Valley was fueled by a unique combination of entrepreneurship, academic research, venture capital, and a policy environment that allowed innovation to flourish.


AI as the Next Defining Technological Era

Shapiro shifted the conversation toward artificial intelligence, asking Moore why he believes AI poses an even greater strategic challenge than the internet revolution. Moore explained that AI will underpin nearly every sector of the future economy, including medicine, national security, manufacturing, transportation, and scientific research.


He argued that the countries leading AI development will have significant influence over global standards, economic growth, and technological direction. Moore stated that if the U.S. relinquishes its leadership position, it could lose not only economic advantages but the ability to shape international norms in critical areas such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital ethics.


American Innovation Depends on Policy and Investment

Moore stressed that maintaining leadership in AI requires deliberate action. He discussed the need for continued support for research and development, investment in STEM education, and public-private partnerships that accelerate technological breakthroughs.


He also highlighted the importance of fostering a regulatory environment that protects consumers without stifling innovation. According to Moore, excessive regulation or unclear policy frameworks could discourage AI development and allow rival nations to take the lead.

Moore stated that the U.S. has the talent and infrastructure to dominate AI, but only if policymakers recognize its strategic importance.


A Call to Preserve America’s Technological Edge

In closing, Moore said the internet era demonstrated what happens when the United States leads a transformative technology. He stressed that the age of AI presents an even larger opportunity and an even higher set of stakes.


Shapiro agreed that the next decade will determine which countries set the global direction for advanced technologies. Both emphasized that leadership will require innovation, investment, and a long-term vision from both government and the private sector.


For viewers, the conversation underscored the growing sense that artificial intelligence will not simply shape the future economy but the future world order, and that America’s role in that development remains a central question.


References

  • The Ben Shapiro Show. (2025, May 5). Stephen Moore discusses U.S. leadership in the internet age and the importance of dominating AI. Retrieved from https://www.dailywire.com

  • Wall Street Journal. (2025, May 2). Analysts warn global competition for AI dominance is intensifying. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com

  • Fox News. (2025, April 30). U.S. innovation leaders highlight need for renewed investment in artificial intelligence. Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com

  • Newsmax. (2025, April 28). Economists debate America’s technological edge and future competitiveness. Retrieved from https://www.newsmax.com

  • Reuters. (2025, April 25). Governments worldwide increase funding for AI research amid strategic concerns. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com


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