“The challenge is monumental. Even under the best circumstances, the transition to this new AI era will be one of the most turbulent times in human history,” Gates said.

He said managing the transition requires new national bodies able to coordinate policy across employment, taxation, energy, elections, public health, the financial system and national security.

“But even a country that gets its own house in order will still be exposed to risks that cross borders. This is why an international organization will need to be built in parallel,” he said.

These agencies could be modeled on certain existing systems, such as the global inspections regime for nuclear weapons, regulations for international aviation and agreements that protect the ozone layer.

“A new global organization for AI will need elements of all three and more,” he added.