PL | EN
13 October 2023
#286
Afrobeat, clean energy and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

World powers and a new “age of chaos”

The US has restricted the export of chips needed for AI technology to the Middle East. This is another instalment of the technological war with China, which buys chips through intermediaries. However, it is not known which countries the restrictions apply to. Experts say it may be Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Middle Eastern countries are investing in AI and, at the same time, have deepened ties with China in recent years. Meanwhile, Ukraine is having difficulties acquiring drones and drone parts from Chinese suppliers due to export restrictions imposed by China. Ultimately, they were to be aimed at the USA. At the same time, China is selling drone parts to Russia on a massive scale.

The Russian flag is one of the most popular goods in West Africa, where Russia is conducting strong agitation. This happens, among others, in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger – countries where military coups have recently occurred. The Russian flag symbolizes resistance and the most visible sign of geopolitical change in the region, as is the appearance of Russian weapons and mercenaries.

Can these times be called an era of chaos that promises little prosperity and predictability? According to The New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman, the critical role here is played by four politicians who have one thing in common: each of them believes that their leadership is necessary, and they are ready to do anything to stay in power as long as possible. These are Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. They have caused problems both in their countries and international politics because they were guided only by their interests and not by the interests of their citizens.

More about: AfricaAsiaBurkina FasoChinaConflictEconomyEuropeGospodarkaHandelIranIsraelMaliNigerNorth AmericaRussiaSaudi ArabiaSocietyTechnologyTopicUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUSA
Read also
Chinese-American Rivalry in the Middle East
Chinese-American Rivalry in the Middle East
The Gulf states seek to diversify their military partnerships as part of the competition for global supremacy between the US and China. One of Washington’s closest regional allies, the United Arab Emirates, plans to conduct its first-ever military exercise with China. Saudi Arabia recently stressed that the US is not its only international partner. Although […]
A new Middle East: with China, without the US and with a new Saudi Arabia
A new Middle East: with China, without the US and with a new Saudi Arabia
By diversifying foreign relations, Saudi Arabia is moving away from the United States and turning towards China and Russia. Saudi Arabia has decided on investment agreements with China worth around USD 50 billion, plus agreements concerning the sale of oil and the purchase of Chinese 5G technology. The Saudis also strengthen their relations with Russia, […]
The war in Ukraine, the superpowers and the new division of the world
The war in Ukraine, the superpowers and the new division of the world
The war in Ukraine has revealed  deep global divisions and a rapidly changing world order. The attempt to isolate Putin from Russian allies like China and Iran has failed. What’s more, the South African navy, for example,  will host a 10-day military exercise with Russia and China in the Indian Ocean. South Africa’s ruling African […]
Military mercenaries in the service of Russia in Africa and Ukraine
Military mercenaries in the service of Russia in Africa and Ukraine
Conflicts in Ukraine and Africa increasingly involve private military groups, although using mercenaries or soldiers for hire is illegal in many countries. More than 40 states have ratified the UN convention against their involvement, but these do not include the big military powers such as the US, Russia, China, France and the UK. Not only […]
Rivalry in the semiconductor industry between China, USA and Europe
Rivalry in the semiconductor industry between China, USA and Europe
The Japanese restrict Chinese access to tools to etch microscopic circuits on high-tech chips for smartphones, AI and other devices. These restrictions are part of the US and its allies’ actions against China for security reasons. China has invested billions of dollars in building semiconductor foundries but needs Western and Japanese technology to produce their […]
Previous issues