The Technological Race: The Quest for Power and Influence in the Modern Era

The end of the Cold War in 1989 was due to a complex interplay of political, economic, and social factors. It is difficult to attribute the outcome solely to one cause, such as Russia's bankruptcy or failure to keep up with technology. 

However, it is widely recognised that the Soviet Union faced significant economic challenges in the latter part of the Cold War, which contributed to the eventual collapse of the Soviet system.

One of the critical factors was the Soviet Union's inability to keep up with the technological advancements in the West. The Soviet economy was heavily centralised and bureaucratic, which made it difficult to adapt to changing market conditions and to develop new technologies. Additionally, the Soviet government's focus on military spending at the expense of investment in other areas left the Soviet economy struggling to compete with the more dynamic economies of the West.

Another critical factor was the growing dissatisfaction of the Soviet people with the Soviet system. Despite the Soviet government's efforts to maintain control through repression and censorship, an increasing number of people in the Soviet Union began questioning the system's legitimacy and demanded greater freedom and openness. This culminated in widespread protests and demonstrations in the late 1980s, which pressured the Soviet government to reform.

It is widely recognised that the Soviet Union's inability to keep up with technological advancements and the growing dissatisfaction of the Soviet people with the Soviet system were significant contributing factors to the eventual collapse of the Soviet system. The end of the Cold War marked an important turning point in world history, and its legacy continues to shape the world today.

China 

China did not experience the same collapse as the Soviet Union in the late 1980s and early 1990s and has maintained a one-party communist system. This is due to several factors, including the Chinese government's willingness to adopt economic reforms, the country's unique cultural and historical context, and the Chinese Communist Party's ability to adapt and evolve to changing circumstances.

One of the critical factors that allowed China to avoid the same fate as the Soviet Union was the Chinese government's willingness to adopt market-oriented economic reforms. In 1978, under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, China began a program of economic liberalization that allowed for more significant market-oriented reforms and increased private enterprise. This helped to jumpstart the Chinese economy and allowed it to overgrow, lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.

Another critical factor was China's unique cultural and historical context. Unlike the Soviet Union, China has a long and rich cultural and historical legacy, and the Chinese Communist Party has been able to tap into this legacy to maintain its legitimacy and support among the Chinese people. Additionally, the Chinese Communist Party has maintained its grip on power by controlling the media, limiting freedom of expression, and cracking down on dissent and opposition.

However, major internal riots happened; the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 were a series of pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijing, China. The protests, which involved students and intellectuals, were sparked by the death of a famous pro-democracy activist and grew to encompass broader demands for greater political freedom and reform.

The protests climaxed in June 1989 when hundreds of thousands gathered in Tiananmen Square to stage a sit-in. The Chinese government declared martial law and deployed troops and tanks to the streets of Beijing, resulting in a violent crackdown on the protesters. The exact number of casualties remains unknown, but it is estimated that hundreds, if not thousands, of people were killed or injured.

The Tiananmen Square protests significantly impacted China, both politically and economically. The Chinese government moved to suppress dissent and tighten its control over society, and the country's economy was severely disrupted in the aftermath of the protests. For a time, China was primarily isolated from the international community due to its actions, with many countries imposing economic sanctions and other forms of political pressure.

The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 were a seminal event in China's recent history and profoundly impacted the country and its people. The protests demonstrated the Chinese people's desire for greater political freedom and reform and the Chinese government's willingness to use violence to suppress dissent. The aftermath of the protests has shaped China's political and economic landscape in the decades since and continues to influence the country's relationship with the international community.

Globalization 

The modern era is characterised by globalisation, where countries have become increasingly interconnected through trade and investment. 

However, some countries still implement trade barriers such as customs duties and other protectionist measures. Here are some examples of evidence of customs duties barriers and other evidence of trade barriers among the USA, Europe, and China:

USA:

1. The United States has imposed tariffs on imported goods from China, including steel, aluminium, and solar panels. These tariffs were implemented as part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the trade deficit with China.
2. The USA has also imposed tariffs on imported steel and aluminium from Europe, citing national security concerns. This has led to a trade dispute between the two countries, with both sides imposing retaliatory tariffs on each other's goods.

Europe:

1. The European Union has implemented several measures to protect its domestic industries, including tariffs on certain goods imported from outside the bloc. For example, the EU imposes tariffs on imported steel, footwear, and textiles.
2. The EU also implements trade non-tariff barriers, such as product standards and labelling regulations. This makes it more difficult for foreign companies to sell their products in the EU market.

China:

1. China has implemented tariffs on several goods imported from the USA, including agricultural products and manufactured goods, in response to the taxes imposed by the United States.
2. China also implements non-tariff barriers to trade, such as restrictions on foreign investment and requirements for joint ventures with domestic firms. These measures limit the ability of foreign companies to do business in China and protect domestic firms from foreign competition.

These are just a few examples of the customs duties barriers and other evidence of trade barriers in the USA, Europe, and China. Despite these barriers, trade continues to grow among these countries and others as the benefits of business and globalisation remain strong.

The cost of trade barriers in the world economy can be high and widespread. Some of the essential expenses include:

1. Increased prices: Trade barriers, such as tariffs and quotas, raise consumer prices. For example, if a country imposes a tax on imported goods, the cost of those goods will increase, making them more expensive for consumers.
2. Reduced competitiveness: Trade barriers can reduce the competitiveness of firms in the global market. For example, if a country imposes tariffs on imported goods, domestic firms may be protected from competition but may become less efficient and innovative.
3. Decreased trade: Trade barriers can reduce the volume of trade between countries. This can lead to diminished economic growth and job creation, as firms can access a smaller market for their goods and services.
4. Decreased efficiency: Trade barriers can reduce efficiency as resources are used in less productive ways. For example, if a country imposes tariffs on imported goods, domestic firms may not have to compete as hard and may become less efficient over time.
5. Increased political tensions: Trade barriers can increase political tensions between countries. For example, if one country imposes tariffs on goods from another, the latter may respond by imposing taxes, leading to a trade war.

These are just a few of the costs of trade barriers in the world economy. Despite these costs, trade barriers continue to be used by countries for various reasons, such as protecting domestic industries or negotiating better trade deals. However, it is essential to consider the potential negative impacts of trade barriers when making policy decisions.

Modern Cold War 

There is growing concern that a "modern cold war" is emerging between China, the United States, and Europe in technology. This is driven by the increasing competition and tensions between these countries over national security, intellectual property, and market access.

1. National security concerns: The use of technology has become increasingly important for national security, and many countries are concerned about the potential for foreign companies and governments to access sensitive information. This has led to increased scrutiny of technology companies by the US and European governments, particularly those from China.
2. Intellectual property disputes: There are growing concerns about the theft of intellectual property by companies and governments in China, which has led to increased tensions with the US and Europe. Companies in these countries are concerned about their technology and trade secrets theft by Chinese companies and the Chinese government.
3. Market access restrictions: The Chinese government has implemented several measures to restrict market access for foreign companies, particularly in the technology sector. This has led to increased competition and tensions between Chinese and foreign technology companies and between the Chinese, US, and European governments.

These tensions have led to several policy actions and trade restrictions, such as the US ban on the use of Huawei technology and the EU's efforts to develop its own technology standards and reduce its dependence on Chinese technology.

While technology is a crucial driver of economic growth and competitiveness, the growing tensions between these countries over technology can negatively impact the global economy and international relations. These countries must address these concerns while promoting innovation and competitiveness in the technology sector.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to bring about many benefits for humanity, but it also poses significant risks to individuals and society as a whole. Some of the critical risks posed by AI include:

1. Job Losses: As AI becomes more advanced, it will likely automate many tasks previously performed by human workers. This could result in widespread job losses, especially in the manufacturing, transportation, and customer service industries.
2. Bias and Discrimination: AI algorithms can be biased, especially if trained on personal data. This can result in discriminatory outcomes, such as unfairly denying people access to credit, employment, or other opportunities.
3. Privacy Concerns: AI systems often require large amounts of personal data to function effectively. This can pose significant privacy risks, especially if the data is not protected or used maliciously.
4. Security Risks: AI systems can be vulnerable to hacking and other forms of cyberattacks, which can result in the theft of sensitive information or the disruption of critical infrastructure.
5. Ethical Concerns: AI raises critical ethical questions about using technology to make decisions that affect people's lives. For example, there are concerns about using AI in autonomous weapons systems and deploying AI systems in law enforcement and criminal justice contexts.

To address these risks, governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly and ethically. This can include developing and implementing regulations to protect the privacy and ensure that AI systems are free from bias and discrimination, as well as investing in research and development of technologies that can detect and prevent malicious uses of AI. By taking these steps, we can help ensure that AI is used for the benefit of humanity rather than as a threat to our well-being.

There is growing evidence of tension between China, the United States, and Europe in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Here are some examples:

1. Competition for AI talent: There is intense competition between these countries for top AI talent, as each seeks to build its own AI capabilities and maintain its position as a leader in the field. This competition has increased concerns about the potential for brain drain from one country to another.
2. Intellectual property disputes: There are growing concerns about the theft of intellectual property by companies and governments in China, which has led to increased tensions with the US and Europe. Companies in these countries are concerned about their technology and trade secrets theft by Chinese companies and the Chinese government.
3. Restrictions on AI exports: The US and European governments have implemented restrictions on the export of AI technology to China, citing national security concerns. This has led to increased competition and tensions between these countries as each seeks to maintain its technological advantage in AI.
4. Different approaches to AI regulation: The US, Europe, and China have taken different approaches to regulate AI, with the US and Europe taking a more cautious and risk-averse approach, while China has been more aggressive in promoting the development and deployment of AI. This has led to concerns about the potential for unequal competition and developing "digital divides" between these countries.
5. Competition for AI applications: There is growing competition between these countries for the development and deployment of AI applications in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and transportation. This competition has the potential to drive innovation but also has the potential to increase tensions and lead to market fragmentation.

These are just a few examples of the tensions between China, the United States, and Europe in AI. As AI becomes increasingly important to the global economy and national security, these countries must find ways to cooperate and collaborate to promote innovation and competitiveness while addressing privacy, security, and ethical issues.

As of my knowledge cutoff is 2021; the following are the top 10 technology companies in the world, along with their nationalities:

1. Apple (United States)
2. Microsoft (United States)
3. Amazon (United States)
4. Alphabet (Google) (United States)
5. Facebook (United States)
6. Tencent (China)
7. Alibaba (China)
8. Samsung Electronics (South Korea)
9. Intel (United States)
10. Huawei (China)

It's important to note that the technology industry is constantly evolving, and the ranking of companies can change over time based on various factors, such as financial performance, product offerings, and innovation.

Several Chinese technologies have been banned or restricted in the United States and Europe due to national security and other concerns. Here are some examples:

1. Huawei: The US government has banned the use of Huawei technology in government and military networks, citing concerns about the company's close ties to the Chinese government and the potential for Huawei technology to be used for cyber espionage. This ban has been adopted by some European countries as well.
2. TikTok: The US government has threatened to ban the popular social media app TikTok, citing concerns about user data collected by the Chinese parent company, ByteDance. There have also been similar concerns raised in Europe.
3. ZTE: The US government has imposed restrictions on the Chinese telecom company ZTE, citing concerns about the company's violation of US sanctions on Iran and North Korea. This has significantly impacted the company's business operations in the US and Europe.
4. DJI: The US Department of the Interior has banned the use of drones made by the Chinese company DJI, citing concerns about the potential for data collection and cyber security risks. There have also been similar concerns raised in Europe.

These are just a few examples of Chinese technologies banned or restricted in the United States and Europe. As technology becomes increasingly essential to the global economy and national security, there will likely continue to be debates and tensions over the use of technology by China and other countries.

The primary issue is artificial intelligence. Who will be the first to implement AI and win the battle for control of the world source and economy?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly important part of our world, revolutionizing the way we live, work, and interact with one another. From autonomous vehicles to intelligent virtual assistants, AI is changing how we experience and understand the world. While the impact of AI is global, the disruption created by AI in Russia during Brexit highlights the unique challenges and opportunities posed by this rapidly evolving technology.

The importance of AI in the world cannot be overstated. AI can solve the world's most pressing problems, from climate change to disease outbreaks. For example, AI can analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that would be difficult for humans to detect. This has already led to breakthroughs in medicine and climate science, where AI is being used to develop new treatments and better understand climate change's impacts.

At the same time, AI is also transforming how we work and live. For example, AI-powered virtual assistants make it easier for people to manage their daily tasks and schedule. AI is also changing how we interact with technology, making it more intuitive and personalized. This is especially true in smart homes, where AI enables people to control their environment with just a few voice commands.

Use of AI against Democracy 

It is true that some countries, including Russia, have used Artificial Intelligence (AI) for malicious purposes, such as attacking democracy. 

The use of AI in disinformation campaigns, election interference, and cyberattacks is a growing concern for many countries and their citizens.

In recent years, there have been numerous reports of Russian state-sponsored groups using AI to spread false information and manipulate public opinion. This can include creating fake social media accounts, applying misleading news articles, and using deep phoney technology to create fake videos that appear to be accurate. These efforts often aim to sow division and undermine trust in democratic institutions and processes.

Cyberattacks are another way Russia and other countries have used AI to attack democracy. AI can be used to automate identifying and exploiting computer system vulnerabilities, making it easier for malicious actors to launch sophisticated and targeted attacks. This can result in the theft of sensitive information, disruption of critical infrastructure, and other forms of cybercrime.

Governments, businesses, and individuals must be aware of how AI can be used to attack democracy and to take steps to mitigate these risks. This can include investing in research and development of technologies that can detect and prevent malicious uses of AI and strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect against cyberattacks. It is also essential for individuals to be vigilant and critical of the information they encounter online and to be mindful of the potential for AI to be used to spread false or misleading information.

The use of AI to attack democracy is a severe concern that requires the collective efforts of governments, businesses, and individuals to address. By taking steps to mitigate the risks posed by AI, we can help ensure that this powerful technology is used for the benefit of society rather than for malicious purposes.

One example of AI used by Russia against Western democracy is using AI in disinformation campaigns. In 2016, it was revealed that Russian state-sponsored groups used social media platforms to spread false and misleading information to influence the outcome of the US presidential election. This included the creation of fake social media accounts and using automated bots to spread incorrect information and amplify divisive messages.

Another example of AI being used by Russia against Western democracy is the use of AI in cyberattacks. In 2017, Russian state-sponsored hackers used AI to automate identifying and exploiting computer system vulnerabilities, leading to the widespread dissemination of the WannaCry ransomware. This attack affected thousands of businesses and individuals in more than 150 countries, causing widespread disruption and financial losses.

These examples demonstrate how malicious actors can use AI to attack Western democracy and undermine public trust in democratic institutions and processes. It is crucial for governments, businesses, and individuals to be aware of these risks and to take steps to mitigate them, such as investing in research and development of technologies that can detect and prevent malicious uses of AI and strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect against cyberattacks.

It is widely known that disinformation and propaganda have been used by various actors, including foreign governments, to influence public opinion and political outcomes, including Brexit.

In recent years, there have been concerns about using social media platforms to spread false and misleading information to influence public opinion and political outcomes. This has included using bots and automated accounts to amplify specific messages and spread incorrect information.

While there is no specific evidence of Russia using AI to influence the outcome of Brexit, it is essential to be aware of the potential for AI to be used for malicious purposes, including disinformation campaigns and other forms of political interference. This highlights the need for increased transparency and accountability in using AI and efforts to strengthen the security and integrity of democratic processes.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, controlling new technologies has become a key driver of power and influence in the modern era. Developing and deploying new technologies can disrupt societies and reshape the balance of power between nations. This is evident in the ongoing tensions and competition between China, the United States, and Europe in artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies.

The winner in this new technological race will be the country that can harness the power of new technologies to enhance its economic and military capabilities and gain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. This is similar to the shift in power that occurred in ancient civilisations, such as the Assyrians and Sumerians, with the introduction of iron against copper or bronze. Controlling and using new technologies gives a country significant economic growth and military power advantage.

However, it is essential to note that the development and deployment of new technologies also raise challenges and risks, such as the potential for unintended consequences, the erosion of privacy and civil liberties, and the exacerbation of existing inequalities. As such, it is essential for countries to approach the development and deployment of new technologies with caution and to ensure that they are used responsibly and ethically.

To be successful in the technological race, countries must invest in research and development, education, and innovation. This will require a strong commitment from the government, industry, and academia to work together to advance the development and deployment of new technologies while addressing the challenges and risks associated with their use.

In conclusion, the control of new technologies is becoming an increasingly important factor in determining the power and influence of countries in the modern era. The land that can effectively harness the power of new technologies will have a significant advantage in economic growth and military power. Still, it is essential to approach their development and deployment cautiously and ensure they are used responsibly and ethically.

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Bragagni M, Xhaferraj L, Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst Growth scare, Recession or Soft Landing?, available at 10.13140/RG.2.2.24224.25609

Globalisation the Broken Game

• February 2023
• DOI: 
• 10.13140/RG.2.2.33883.64803
• Project: 
• Sustainable development and the need to reform the carbon tax

Preserving democracy by active neutrality Challenges vs Benefits

• October 2022
• DOI: 
• 10.13140/RG.2.2.18968.88323
• Project: 
• Democracy and oligarchy
• Lab: 
• Sustainable Need

Sustainable development and the need to reform the carbon tax

• March 2022
• Wiley Online Library 2787(e2787)
• DOI: 
• 10.1002/pa.2787
• Project: 
• Sustainable development and the need to reform the carbon tax
• Lab: 
• Sustainable Need

The United Kingdom and Italy's Economic Relations after Brexit

• September 2021
• DOI: 
• 10.13140/RG.2.2.14727.93607
• Projects: 
• Secular Stagnation
• SAFER STRUCTURES CAMPAIGN
• Brexit
• Brexit
• Labs: 
• Lorenc Xhaferraj's Lab
• Sustainable Need

Author 

About the Author Dr Maurizio Bragagni, Esq, OBE is a Freeman of the City of London, industrialist, public servant and consultant involved in various socio-economic sectors in the UK and elsewhere globally. Dr Maurizio Bragagni OBE founded a charity to help the most disadvantaged people by giving them access to quality education. He has a strong interest in politics, history and diplomacy, on which he writes and publishes. These interests have led him to work in industry, politics and public relations, holding various public and private positions in the UK and elsewhere. Today, serving as an Honorary Senior Visiting fellow at CASS Business School in London, Dr Maurizio Bragagni OBE teaches sustainable development, family business, and history. He has won several national and international awards and prizes during his career. Dr Maurizio Bragagni OBE’s motto, “Nihil difficile volenti” (nothing is impossible for those who want it), is based on a similar one by Cicero, and is intended to affirm that with willpower, obstacles are easily overcome, and difficulties are overcome.