One of the most rewarding aspects of pursuing degrees in both physics and political science is the ability to see technological challenges through multiple lenses. Nowhere is this more valuable than in thinking about artificial intelligence and its governance.
A Dual Perspective
In my physics courses, I study the mathematical foundations that power AI systems — optimization, linear algebra, probability theory. I see the elegance and power of these tools. In my political science courses, I study institutions, power dynamics, and the mechanisms through which societies make collective decisions. Combining these perspectives reveals both the potential and the risks of AI deployment at scale.
The Governance Gap
One thing that becomes clear when you understand both the technical and political dimensions is the governance gap. Policymakers often lack the technical literacy to craft effective AI regulation, while technologists frequently underestimate the complexity of the social systems their tools interact with. This gap isn’t just an academic observation — it has real consequences for privacy, equity, and democratic participation.
Why It Matters for Mexico and Latin America
In the context of Mexico and Latin America, these questions take on particular urgency. As AI tools become more prevalent in government services, education, and economic planning, the region faces unique challenges: how to adopt these technologies in ways that reduce rather than amplify existing inequalities, how to develop local technical capacity, and how to create regulatory frameworks that are both effective and contextually appropriate.
Bridging the Divide
I believe that people who can navigate both the technical and policy worlds will be essential in the coming decades. This is precisely why I chose to pursue two seemingly different degrees — because the most impactful solutions will come from those who understand both the algorithms and the institutions they operate within.
I’ll be sharing more thoughts on this topic as my research progresses. These are conversations that need more voices, especially from young people in regions where AI governance is still being shaped.