Can You Guess Who the Upcoming Superpower Is?

Since I was born, wars and conflicts have been a constant in the Middle East and across the globe. Growing up, it became clear there were two dominant superpowers in the world: the United States and the Soviet Union. Each set its rules and values on opposing sides of the global stage—a bipolar world. for the past 35 years the United States has become sole superpower, shaping global institutions, enforcing rules, and projecting its influence with raw power. That was the era of the unipolar world.

However, in the recent years, the simplicity of that global order began to unravel. The United States grew weary of being the world's policeman, global trade architect, and cheerleader for universal values. Simultaneously, other nations, particularly China and Russia, grew stronger and started to challenge the status quo. But here’s the twist—the most powerful superpower today isn’t even a country. It’s something far more pervasive: technology.

While geopolitical tensions dominate the headlines, a quieter yet far more profound power shift has been taking place in the digital realm. Today, technology companies—not governments—are emerging as the real architects of global influence. These corporations, with their immense control over data, communication, and societal narratives, are reshaping the world in ways we could never have imagined.

For example, todays war is not military support that played a critical role; technology companies provided the tools to counter cyberattacks, maintain communication on the frontlines, and ensure global visibility Without these companies.

But this influence goes beyond wartime. Social media platforms have become the battlegrounds of modern democracy. From the Capitol riots in Washington, D.C., to unrest in Brazil and Canada, platforms have amplified disinformation, polarized societies, and challenged the ability of governments to maintain order. Algorithms—once seen as tools of convenience—are now shaping our identities, decisions, and futures.

As technology companies grow more powerful, so does the risk of geopolitical entanglements in the digital realm. If U.S.-based tech giants align with Washington and their Chinese counterparts fall under Beijing's influence, the world could be divided into two competing digital ecosystems. This "Technology Cold War" would redefine globalization, splitting nations based on digital infrastructure, data policies, and access to innovation.

On the other hand, if technology companies prioritize global business models over national alliances, we could see the emergence of a unified "digital global order." Such a world could offer limitless opportunities for innovation and collaboration—but only if these corporations act responsibly.

The growing power of technology companies raises critical questions: Who holds them accountable? Their decisions impact everything from the spread of artificial intelligence to the collection and use of our personal data. These corporations now wield more power than most governments, often driven by advertising models that turn citizens into products, stoke misinformation, and deepen divisions.

The world today is no longer about being the principal exporter of democracy. Instead, it has become the principal exporter of tools that threaten democracy. Will technology leaders take responsibility for the societal disruptions their platforms have caused? And will they ensure that artificial intelligence, social media, and other innovations are harnessed to unite rather than divide?

As we move into an era defined by the "digital order," it’s clear that technology will shape not just economies and governance but also our very identities. This new power dynamic presents both incredible opportunities and existential risks. The question is: will the tech titans choose to be agents of progress or purveyors of chaos?

In the end, whoever controls technology will control the world. The stakes have never been higher.