By Zakria Baloch
Technological competition has long been a dominant driver of international politics. The advancement in Science and Technology have made the international arena unpredictable.
States are busy investing billions of dollars in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber and electronic gadgets, Big-data, Computing and Bio-data. Artificial Intelligence is shaping the balance of power among States and influencing global dynamics.
By examining past instances of technological competition and its impact on international relations, we can advance perceptions into the potential ramifications of the United States-China AI race.
Throughout the Cold War, the scientific competition between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, played a crucial role in determining the global order. Especially the space race symbolized the rivalry for technological superiority and ideological inspiration.
The launch of Sputnik in 1957 by the Soviet Union prompted the United States to invest deeply in science and technology, leading to the launch of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and a series of technological advances such as the Apollo moon landing in 1969 (Grossman, 2019). This era emphasized the close connection between technological competition, national security, and international influence. In addition, a scholar such as; (Favaro, 2020) states that if technology development takes place in rapid ascent, a situation of altering the strategic stability of states will occur. The more one state advances its technology, the more the other feels threatened.
The Arms Race
The arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union provided crucial understandings into the possible repercussions of invasive technological rivalry. Global stability, including the dynamics of international politics, was significantly impacted by the advent of nuclear weapons and the ensuing arms race. The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 demonstrated the dangers of escalating technological competition and highlighted the importance of diplomatic engagement and crisis management (Allison G. T., 2012). The lessons learned from the arms race continue to inform contemporary discussions on managing technological competition between major powers.
The emerging Cold War dynamics between the United States and China, primarily focused on technology and geo-economics, as they compete for comparative impact in a shifting global order. Their objective is to establish and legitimize their own principles, customs, instructions, and international systems that align with their agendas while impeding their rival’s progress. This contest encompasses established multilateral organizations like; the United Nations, World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank, as well as mini-lateral organizations such as the Quad, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and extends to various aspects of development, aid, trade, and military strategies pursued by both Beijing and Washington.
Despite the skepticism of industrialized democracies, Beijing’s efforts to make a persuasive argument for a bigger role for China in establishing global norms, shared values, and good governance are resonating with certain nations in the Global South. Chinese calls for unrestricted sovereignty, non-interference, pluralistic international discourse, and rejection of American criticism find supporters, while two initiatives of Xi Jinping, Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Development Initiative (GDI), are attracting interest from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
These two developments are gaining adhesion. Furthermore, Daly R. and Zhong commenting over this said, this comprehensive analysis of the US-China Cold War sheds light on the complex interplay between the two nations. Both are struggling for mastering in technology, geo-economics, and global governance. Their rivalry is offering insights into the dynamics of international relations in a rapidly evolving global landscape (Daly & Zhong, 2023).
The Technological Landscape in International Politics
Technology has been affecting global politics since its very first development and influencing a wide range of population across the world. Different decades experienced various technological tensions among states like; Nuclear Wars, the use of Biological Weapons, the emergence of Cyber-War, the most recent Chip War, the AI race and other technologies.
The dynamics of globalization, driven by technological advancements, are reshaping international relations. Technology has become a key catalyst for social, economic, and political transformations, bringing nations closer together while also creating divisions. Notably, the “revolution in dual-use technologies” is causing profound changes in the creation of wealth, the distribution of power, and the nature of warfare. The rapid and unstoppable diffusion of technology is altering the landscape of global interactions and challenging traditional paradigms.
The current state of technology development poses challenges for International Relations and Security (IR&S). Beyond advancements in traditional weaponry, such as hypersonic missiles, we are witnessing a proliferation of developing technologies by means of potential transformative impacts on the economy, politics, culture, and IR&S. Some of the prominent high-tech domains include Artificial Intelligence (AI) along with associated digital technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data, Block-chain, quantum computing, advanced robotics, autonomous systems, 3D-printing, social networks, and cutting-edge biotech and genetic engineering, among others. These technologies have far-reaching implications, shaping the landscape of international affairs and security considerations (Danilin, 2018).
The Impact of the Technological Race on the Economic and Military Power
Power is the capacity of individuals or collectives to influence and control events. Technology refers to the practical implementation of scientific knowledge, involving the creation and utilization of devices aimed at enhancing human performance. The introduction of novel technologies has profound impacts on economies, markets, and cultures, leading to the emergence of fresh opportunities. Although there exists apprehension regarding the consequences of technological advancements, it is crucial to acknowledge that technology remains a crucial driver of sustained economic growth and military prowess (Lewis, 2022).
As we have grown up ourselves, the world has changed in many ways. Technological emergence of daily life tools, their usage and the condition of state nature changed by the time. According to (Hong), the arrival of the information technology revolution has brought about profound transformations in our global landscape. The Sino-American conflict in AI is ushering in what is commonly referred to as the “information age.” This technological revolution and advancement has deeply changed the way we live our lives. For instance, our households now boast automated systems that can function even in our absence.
Furthermore, the information technology revolution has facilitated real-time visual communication with individuals situated on the opposite side of the world, bridging geographical barriers and enabling seamless interaction. In today’s world security is totally dependent on economic power, as (Väyrynen, 1983) discussed in his research, the evolution of military technology is closely intertwined with long-term macroeconomic and macro-political shifts experienced by major-powers and their global standings.
Notably, the emergence and advancement of new military technologies, as well as the occurrence of major wars, seem to be linked to epochs of economic immobility. Conversely, throughout the increasing phase of the long economic cycle, there is a generation of new resources that fuel the expansion of military programs, subsequently elevating the likelihood of conflicts and warfare.
Subsequently, the inception of the Cold War, resulted in the U.S. government’s active sponsorship of security research, and several breakthrough technologies have been created, including Internet, virtual reality, jet flight, data integration, closed-circuit television, GPS, rocketry, remote control devices. In more context the innovations of microwaves, radar systems, networked computers, wireless communications, and satellite surveillance are just a few examples of these revolutions. In addition to transforming the military field, these technical advances have had a profound effect on a number of other industries, reshaping the technological landscape of the modern world.
Author: Zakria Baloch – International Relations student at the University of Balochistan, Pakistan, and a policy and international affairs analyst.
(The views expressed in this article belong only to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of World Geostrategic Insights).
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