Does Artificial Intelligence Have a Statist Bias?

I recently asked the ChatGPT AI to “write an essay critiquing the Biden administration’s trade policy.” This is what I got:

The Biden administration’s trade policy has been the subject of much debate and criticism. While some argue that the administration has taken a much-needed, more measured approach to trade negotiations, others believe that the policy has been too cautious and has not done enough to address some of the key challenges facing American businesses and workers.

One of the key criticisms of the Biden administration’s trade policy is that it has not been aggressive enough in confronting some of the major trading partners of the United States, particularly China. Some critics argue that the administration has not done enough to address the issue of unfair trade practices, such as intellectual property theft and forced technology transfer, which have long been a source of concern for American businesses. Additionally, some argue that the administration has not done enough to address the issue of China’s massive trade surplus with the United States, which has contributed to the loss of American jobs and the decline of American manufacturing.

Another criticism of the Biden administration’s trade policy is that it has not done enough to support American businesses and workers. Some argue that the policy has been too focused on maintaining good relations with other countries and has not done enough to address the needs of American businesses and workers. In particular, there have been concerns that the administration has not done enough to support American manufacturing and to help American workers who have been displaced by globalization and automation.

Overall, while the Biden administration’s trade policy has been praised for its measured approach and its focus on maintaining good relations with other countries, it has also faced significant criticism for its lack of action on key issues, such as unfair trade practices and the support of American businesses and workers. The administration will need to address these concerns if it hopes to develop a more effective and comprehensive trade policy that benefits all Americans.

This is, to be fair, a pretty mainstream analysis. It could come from someone in the mainstream media or equally from any number of conservative sources today. What it is lacking, however, is any perspective from a free trade perspective.

So I added “from a free trade perspective” to the prompt and got this:

From a free trade perspective, the Biden administration’s trade policy has been disappointing. While the administration has made some efforts to negotiate new trade deals and to reduce tariffs and other barriers to trade, overall it has been too cautious and has not done enough to promote free trade.

One of the key criticisms of the Biden administration’s trade policy from a free trade perspective is that it has not done enough to reduce existing barriers to trade. Despite the administration’s efforts to negotiate new trade deals, it has not made significant progress in removing existing tariffs and other trade barriers that limit the ability of American businesses to compete in the global market. This has made it more difficult for American businesses to access foreign markets, which in turn has hindered their ability to grow and create jobs.

Additionally, the Biden administration’s trade policy has been criticized for its lack of action on key issues that are essential to promoting free trade. For example, the administration has not done enough to address the issue of unfair trade practices, such as intellectual property theft and forced technology transfer, which have long been a source of concern for American businesses. These practices limit the ability of American businesses to compete in the global market and undermine the principles of free trade.

Furthermore, the Biden administration’s trade policy has been criticized for its lack of support for American businesses and workers. Despite the administration’s efforts to promote American manufacturing and to help workers who have been displaced by globalization and automation, many American businesses and workers have not seen the benefits of these policies. As a result, many Americans continue to feel left behind by the global economy, which undermines support for free trade.

Overall, the Biden administration’s trade policy has been criticized for its lack of action on key issues that are essential to promoting free trade. While the administration has made some efforts to negotiate new trade deals and to reduce tariffs and other barriers to trade, overall it has been too cautious and has not done enough to support American businesses and workers. If the administration hopes to develop a more effective and comprehensive trade policy, it will need to do more to promote free trade and to address the concerns of American businesses and workers.

This is in some ways less satisfactory than the first answer. As I suggested in feedback, an ideal answer would have outlined the benefits of free trade to American consumers, workers, and businesses and stated reasons why “the administration’s efforts to promote American manufacturing and to help workers who have been displaced by globalization and automation” have not been beneficial.

I then replaced “free trade” with “libertarian.”

From a libertarian perspective, the Biden administration’s trade policy has been disappointing. While the administration has made some efforts to negotiate new trade deals and to reduce tariffs and other barriers to trade, overall it has been too interventionist and has not done enough to promote free markets and economic liberty.

One of the key criticisms of the Biden administration’s trade policy from a libertarian perspective is that it has relied too heavily on government intervention and regulation. Instead of promoting free markets and economic liberty, the administration has often turned to government intervention to try to shape the direction of the economy and to protect certain industries and workers. This approach undermines the principles of economic liberty and creates barriers to trade and economic growth.

Additionally, the Biden administration’s trade policy has been criticized for its lack of action on key issues that are essential to promoting free markets and economic liberty. For example, the administration has not done enough to address the issue of unfair trade practices, such as intellectual property theft and forced technology transfer, which have long been a source of concern for American businesses. These practices limit the ability of American businesses to compete in the global market and undermine the principles of free markets and economic liberty.

Furthermore, the Biden administration’s trade policy has been criticized for its lack of support for American businesses and workers. Despite the administration’s efforts to promote American manufacturing and to help workers who have been displaced by globalization and automation, many American businesses and workers have not seen the benefits of these policies. As a result, many Americans continue to feel left behind by the global economy, which undermines support for free markets and economic liberty.

Overall, the Biden administration’s trade policy has been criticized for its lack of action on key issues that are essential to promoting free markets and economic liberty. While the administration has made some efforts to negotiate new trade deals and to reduce tariffs and other barriers to trade, overall it has been too interventionist and has not done enough to support American businesses and workers. If the administration hopes to develop a more effective and comprehensive trade policy, it will need to do more to promote free markets and economic liberty and to address the concerns of American businesses and workers.

Despite sticking in references to “free markets and economic liberty” this still follows the implicit template of the first answer that it is the administration’s job to manage trade and to support Americans with interventionist policies. That isn’t a libertarian perspective at all.

I therefore encourage all libertarians enthused, as I am, by the possibilities of AI to play their part in training the AIs by providing feedback.