This paper examines the migration of the concept of digital sovereignty into the domain of
artificial intelligence (AI) within the evolving framework of the BRICS and their recent expansion.
Based on previous research developed by the author, AI sovereignty is considered as the
prerogative and capacity of sovereign statesto understand, develop and regulate AI systems, thus
being able to govern digital assets and systems operating within their jurisdiction. This
fundamental state attribution is consistent with principles of sovereign equality, nonintervention, and the right to self-determination of peoples, and has been progressively
integrated in the BRICS. With the advent of AI, this prerogative acquires new dimensions,
encompassing not only jurisdictional control over data and networks but also research,
development and governance of algorithmic systems, compute infrastructures, and the legal
architecture of automated decision-making. The paper traces this conceptual and regulatory
migration from digital to AI sovereignty, highlighting the elements that must be considered as Key
AI Sovereignty Enablers such as data, compute, algorithmic capacity, meaningful connectivity,
electricity, digital literacy, cybersecurity and risk-based regulation. Through case studies of Brazil,
Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as well as insights from newly acceding members, the
analysis identifies diverse but convergent approaches to AI sovereignty. Critically, the
enlargement of BRICS+ deepens legal pluralism in the grouping, while amplifying its bargaining
power in international fora, increasing its possibility to shape an AI sovereignty model, balancing
national prerogatives with collective co-determination of global digital order.
