Rostam J. Neuwirth presents a four-dimensional perspective on the global institutional governance of artificial intelligence (AI). The article critiques the narrative of a "global race toward the regulation of AI," which is seen as misleading and counterproductive. Instead, it advocates for a "race toward the global regulation of AI," emphasizing the cross-cutting, cross-boundary, and cross-cultural nature of AI. The article argues that AI regulation must be tied to other global governance issues, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and that the current international system needs reform to establish a more efficient and coherent global institutional framework. It highlights the need for cognitive change to drive institutional reform, as past attempts at reform have been hindered by the inertia of international institutions. The article also discusses the challenges of regulating AI, including the fragmentation of national and regional laws, the growing regulatory gaps, and the cross-cutting nature of AI with other technologies like 5G, IoT, neurotechnologies, and augmented/virtual reality. It suggests that AI regulation should be accompanied by a debate on the optimal institutional support needed for its implementation and enforcement. The article proposes that a future global institutional framework for AI governance should be based on a four-dimensional thinking model, inspired by Einstein's description of the world as a "four-dimensional space-time continuum." It also emphasizes the importance of legal synesthesia and the need for a more flexible logic to address the complexities of AI regulation. The article concludes that the current international system is fragmented and inefficient, and that a new global institutional framework is needed to ensure the safe and effective governance of AI.Rostam J. Neuwirth presents a four-dimensional perspective on the global institutional governance of artificial intelligence (AI). The article critiques the narrative of a "global race toward the regulation of AI," which is seen as misleading and counterproductive. Instead, it advocates for a "race toward the global regulation of AI," emphasizing the cross-cutting, cross-boundary, and cross-cultural nature of AI. The article argues that AI regulation must be tied to other global governance issues, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and that the current international system needs reform to establish a more efficient and coherent global institutional framework. It highlights the need for cognitive change to drive institutional reform, as past attempts at reform have been hindered by the inertia of international institutions. The article also discusses the challenges of regulating AI, including the fragmentation of national and regional laws, the growing regulatory gaps, and the cross-cutting nature of AI with other technologies like 5G, IoT, neurotechnologies, and augmented/virtual reality. It suggests that AI regulation should be accompanied by a debate on the optimal institutional support needed for its implementation and enforcement. The article proposes that a future global institutional framework for AI governance should be based on a four-dimensional thinking model, inspired by Einstein's description of the world as a "four-dimensional space-time continuum." It also emphasizes the importance of legal synesthesia and the need for a more flexible logic to address the complexities of AI regulation. The article concludes that the current international system is fragmented and inefficient, and that a new global institutional framework is needed to ensure the safe and effective governance of AI.