The world is increasingly obsessed with the ongoing power struggle between the US and China. But the technology-driven shift of power away from states to transnational actors and global forces brings a new and unfamiliar complexity to global affairs.
CAMBRIDGE Since 2017, Americas National Security Strategy has focused on great power competition, and today much of Washington is busy portraying our relationship with China as a new cold war. Obviously, great power competition remains a crucial aspect of foreign policy, but we must not let it obscure the growing transnational security threats that technology is putting on the agenda.
Power transitions among states are familiar in world politics, but the technology-driven shift of power away from states to transnational actors and global forces brings a new and unfamiliar complexity. Technological change is putting a number of issues including financial stability, climate change, terrorism, cybercrime, and pandemics on the global agenda at the same time that it tends to weaken governments ability to respond.
The realm of transnational relations outside of government control includes, among others, bankers and criminals electronically transferring funds, terrorists transferring weapons and plans, hackers using social media to disrupt democratic processes, and ecological threats such as pandemics and climate change. COVID-19, for example, has already killed more Americans than died in the Korean, Vietnam, and Iraq wars, yet we spent little to prepare for it. Nor will COVID-19 be the last or worst pandemic.
Individuals and private organizations ranging from WikiLeaks, Facebook, and foundations to terrorists and spontaneous social movements are all empowered to play direct roles in world politics. The spread of information means that power is more widely distributed, and informal networks can undercut the monopoly of traditional bureaucracy. And the speed of online transmission of information means that governments have less control over their agendas, and citizens face new vulnerabilities.
Isolation is not an option. Americas two oceans are a less effective guarantee of security than they once were. When the United States bombed Serbia and Iraq in the 1990s, Slobodan Miloevi and Saddam Hussein could not respond against the US homeland. That soon changed. In 1998, President Bill Clinton launched cruise missiles against al-Qaeda targets in Sudan and Afghanistan; three years later, al-Qaeda killed 3,000 people in the US (more than the attack on Pearl Harbor) by turning Americas civilian aircraft into giant cruise missiles.
But the threat need not be physical. Americas electrical grids, air traffic control systems, and banks are vulnerable to electrons that can originate anywhere within or outside US borders. Oceans dont help. A cyberattack could come from ten miles or ten thousand miles away.
Enjoy unlimited access to the ideas and opinions of the world's leading thinkers, including weekly long reads, book reviews, and interviews; The Year Ahead annual print magazine; the complete PS archive; and more all for less than $2 a week.
Subscribe Now
Democratic freedoms, in addition to infrastructure, are vulnerable to cyberattack. In 2014, when North Korea objected to a Hollywood comedy that mocked its leader, it launched a successful cyberattack that threatened free expression.
Many observers assume that because huge technology companies such as Facebook, Google, and Twitter originated in the US, they are instruments of American power. But in the 2016 US presidential election, Russia was able to use these companies as weapons to influence the outcome. Others can follow the model.
The information revolution and globalization are changing world politics in a way that means that even if the US prevails in great power competition, it cannot achieve many of its goals acting alone. Regardless of potential setbacks to economic globalization, for example, the effects of climate change including extreme weather events, crop failures, and rising sea levels will affect the quality of life for everyone, and the US cannot manage the problem alone. In a world where borders are becoming more porous to everything from illicit drugs and infectious diseases to terrorism, countries must use their soft power of attraction to develop networks and build regimes and institutions to address these new security threats.
The case for the worlds leading power to provide leadership in organizing the production of global public goods remains stronger than ever in this neo-feudal world. But the 2017 US National Security Strategy says little about these threats, and actions like withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization are steps in the wrong direction.
As the technology expert Richard Danzig summarizes the problem, Twenty-first century technologies are global not just in their distribution, but also in their consequences. Pathogens, AI systems, computer viruses, and radiation that others may accidentally release could become as much our problem as theirs. Agreed reporting systems, shared controls, common contingency plans, norms, and treaties must be pursued as means of moderating our numerous mutual risks. Tariffs and walls cannot solve these problems.
In some areas of military and economic public goods, unilateral US leadership can provide a large part of the answer. For example, the US Navy is crucial in defending freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, and in the current global recession the US Federal Reserve provides the crucial stabilizing role of lender of last resort.
But on other issues, success will require the cooperation of others. As I argue in my book Do Morals Matter?, some aspects of power in this new world are a positive-sum game. It is not enough to think in terms of US power over others. We must also think in terms of power to accomplish joint goals, which involves exercising power with others.
That type of thinking is missing from the current strategic debate. On many transnational issues, empowering others can help the US to accomplish its own goals. For example, the US benefits if China improves its energy efficiency and emits less carbon dioxide.
In this new world, networks and connectedness become an important source of power and security. In a world of growing complexity, the most connected states are the most powerful. In the past, Americas openness enhanced its capacity to build networks, maintain institutions, and sustain alliances. The question now is whether that openness and willingness to engage with the world will prove sustainable in US domestic politics.
View post:
The Other Global Power Shift by Joseph S. Nye, Jr. - Project Syndicate
- Wikileaks: Pictures, Videos, Breaking News [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2014]
- WikiLeaks - Official Site [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2014]
- WikiLeaks diplomatic cable release shows America's undiplomatic side2432 - Video [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2014]
- Anonymous WikiLeaks - Video [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2014]
- Anonymous WikiLeaks - Video [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2014]
- WikiLeaks, drought and Syria [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2014]
- Wikileaks - Wikileaks [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2014]
- TPP Wikileaks Has Released Another Bombshell 17th JAN 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2014]
- Terabyte Leaks and Political Legitimacy in the U.S. and China [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2014]
- Secret draft of TPP talks on environment show little enforcement measures [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2014]
- Noam Chomsky on Wikileaks (2013) - Video [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2014]
- Assange: Wikileaks - Video [Last Updated On: January 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 26th, 2014]
- Wikileaks Reveal Secret US Activity in Afghanistan3963 - Video [Last Updated On: January 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 26th, 2014]
- Wikileaks UFO/USA and Rant - Video [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2014]
- ‘Bad Grandpa,’ ‘The Fifth Estate,’ ‘Cloudy’ sequel, ‘Rush’ [Last Updated On: January 28th, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 28th, 2014]
- Sam Worthington's Gallipoli drama for the WikiLeaks era [Last Updated On: January 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 30th, 2014]
- Film Review | The Fifth Estate [Last Updated On: January 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 30th, 2014]
- Freedom Of The Press Foundation Launches To Support WikiLeaks, Increase Transparency - Video [Last Updated On: January 31st, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 31st, 2014]
- FABIO BORGES EXPLICA QUE O É O WIKILEAKS - Video [Last Updated On: February 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 3rd, 2014]
- FABIO BORGES FALA SOBRE O WIKILEAKS - Video [Last Updated On: February 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 3rd, 2014]
- Douglas Murray and Amy Goodman - Wikileaks, Afghanistan, Arab Spring - Video [Last Updated On: February 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 3rd, 2014]
- The Fifth Estate [Last Updated On: February 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 4th, 2014]
- Cumberbatch Opens TIFF With WikiLeaks Drama974 - Video [Last Updated On: February 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 4th, 2014]
- Julian Assange opens up on Indian Govt's reaction to WikiLeaks - Video [Last Updated On: February 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 4th, 2014]
- Reuter Journalisten Zivilisten werden von US Army ermordet Wikileaks - Video [Last Updated On: February 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 4th, 2014]
- June 4 1989 Wikileaks US Cables - Video [Last Updated On: February 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 5th, 2014]
- WikiLeaks: US trying to 'criminalize journalism' over Snowden leaks - Video [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2014]
- Rumbatá Beat Band -- Wikileaks (Jaime Rodríguez) (Live @ Bimhuis - Amsterdam) - Video [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2014]
- Alex Gibney accepts the 2014 Paul Selvin Award for We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks - Video [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2014]
- Security Graph 3D Visualization: WikiLeaks.org - Video [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2014]
- Russian UFO encounter wikileaks 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2014]
- WikiLeaks [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2014]
- WIKILEAKS UFO FOOTAGE THAT WAS BANNED. - Video [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2014]
- Snowden files show how governments monitor Wikileaks and supporters [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2014]
- Snowden files show governments monitor Wikileaks and others [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2014]
- WikiLeaks now has own search engine [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2014]
- Spies monitored WikiLeaks visitors in real time, Snowden docs show [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2014]
- Wikileaks - Soldati americani uccidono innocenti - Video [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2014]
- Visited WikiLeaks? NSA and GCHQ know about it [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2014]
- Julian Assange, Wikileaks and Site Visitors Targeted By NSA - Video [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2014]
- Wikileaks on Lencho Leta (TOP Secret) - Video [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2014]
- The Dalai Lama Treasure Chest: New Evidence from Wikileaks - Video [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2014]
- BBC WikiLeaks The Secret Life of a Superpower Ep 1 - Video [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2014]
- NSA Targeted WikiLeaks, Pressured Foreign Countries to Arrest Julian Assange for Publishing [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2014]
- Documents Reveal NSA and GCHQ Efforts to Destroy Assange And Track Wikileaks Supporters - Video [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2014]
- Glenn Greenwald On Surveillance Of Wikileaks - Video [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2014]
- We Steal Secrets, la vérité sur Wikileaks - Video [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2014]
- WikiLeaks spied on by the NSA and GCHQ - Truthloader - Video [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2014]
- Tech News Today 946: WikiLeaks Visitors Tracked - Video [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2014]
- 'Paranoid, vain and jealous' - the secret life of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2014]
- Wikileaks BBC Scandal, how I faked the winner of Chris Evans 500 Words Short Story Contest 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2014]
- Julian Assange posed 'no real security threat' to Australia [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2014]
- Wikileaks Exposes 9 11 Conspirators - Video [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2014]
- [002] Nuclear Plant Whistleblower Fired / Banker Suicides / WikiLeaks Surveillance - Video [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2014]
- WikiLeaks Spied On By The NSA And GCHQ - Video [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2014]
- wikileaks Drone footage 2013 - Video [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2014]
- Wikileaks Reveals Saddam And Bush Negotiated Before Kuwait Invasion - Video [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2014]
- More Snowden Leaks How The Government Reacted To Wikileaks - Video [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2014]
- Amazing Wikileaks Video Of Roswell Grey Alien Unbelievable! - Video [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2014]
- More Snowden Leaks: How The Government Reacted To Wikileaks - Video [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2014]
- 42 David Duke Wikileaks exposes Zionist Treachery - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2014]
- Wikileaks Nibiru Planet X new evidence 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2014]
- WikiLeaks' Julian Assange Has Cost The Met Police £5.3m During Ecuador Embassy Stay [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2014]
- تطوانيون بإفران و النواحي - Video [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2014]
- 'This Week' Transcript: WikiLeaks' Julian Assange [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2014]
- WikiLeaks UFO Video Analyzed avi - Video [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2014]
- WikiLeaks Cables Foreshadow Russian Instigation of Ukrainian Military Action [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2014]
- Assange Held Back Wikileaks About U S , Israel - Video [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2014]
- WikiLeaks Cables Reveal Ukraine's Past Cries For Help; Is Kerry's $1 Billion In Aid Too Late? [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2014]
- Flashback: WikiLeaks Cables Show Ukraine Worried About Russian Incursion in 2006 [Last Updated On: March 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 5th, 2014]
- Wikileaks. Film dokumentalny - Video [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2014]
- Assange: Is Obama wearing pants? [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2014]
- SXSW: Julian Assange Says Living in Ecuadorian Embassy Is 'Like Prison' [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2014]
- WikiLeaks founder has harsh words for Google, Facebook [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2014]
- 'WikiLeaks' Assange hints at more leaks [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2014]
- WikiLeaks' Julian Assange talks NSA, hints at more leaks [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2014]
- WikiLeaks' Julian Assange: NSA critics got lucky because agency had no PR strategy [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2014]
- Wikileaks' Assange says group will release new secret data [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2014]
- Afghan journalist Enayat Najafizada on the burden of releasing WikiLeaks documents - Video [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2014]
- The Dalai Lama files from Wikileaks - Video [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2014]