Competitive techno-economic warfare

Nature

**Competitive techno-economic warfare** refers to the strategic use of technological and economic tools by states or entities to gain advantage over rivals, often undermining their economic stability, technological progress, or national security. This problem manifests through actions such as trade restrictions, intellectual property theft, cyberattacks, and manipulation of supply chains. Unlike traditional warfare, it operates below the threshold of armed conflict, making detection and response challenging. The increasing interdependence of global economies and rapid technological advancements exacerbate the risks, potentially destabilizing international relations and threatening economic growth, innovation, and security worldwide.

Background

The significance of competitive techno-economic warfare emerged during the late 20th century, as nations recognized the strategic value of technological supremacy and economic leverage in global power dynamics. The phenomenon gained prominence with the rise of trade disputes, intellectual property conflicts, and targeted sanctions, particularly between major economies. Increasingly, governments and analysts have documented how technological innovation and economic instruments are wielded as tools of rivalry, shaping international relations and prompting new frameworks for understanding global competition.

Incidence

Competitive techno-economic warfare has intensified globally, as nations and corporations deploy advanced technologies and economic strategies to outmaneuver rivals. This phenomenon manifests in trade restrictions, intellectual property disputes, and targeted sanctions, impacting supply chains, market access, and technological development across continents. The scale of these confrontations disrupts global markets, undermines international cooperation, and exacerbates geopolitical tensions, making it a significant issue for both developed and developing economies.
In 2023, the United States imposed sweeping export controls on advanced semiconductor technology to China, aiming to restrict Beijing’s access to critical components. This action triggered retaliatory measures, escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Claim

In the light of currently dominant policies, and based on foreseeable trends, the new world order will be characterized by a new type of war, the competitive techno-economic war for global leadership. This will be the strongest driving force and dividing line of world development and politics for the coming decades.

Counter-claim

The notion that "competitive techno-economic warfare" is a pressing problem is vastly overstated. In reality, healthy competition drives innovation, economic growth, and technological advancement. Fears of techno-economic conflict are often exaggerated by alarmists seeking attention. Instead of worrying about hypothetical wars, we should focus on collaboration and progress. Obsessing over this so-called "warfare" distracts from real global challenges like poverty, climate change, and public health, which deserve far more attention.