Diplo Blog
DeepSeek: some trade-related aspects of the breakthroughÂ
31 January 2025
Artificial Intelligence, E-commerce and trade, Economic, Geopolitics, Semiconductors
DeepSeek's release of a cost-effective large language model has sparked discussions about trade and technology access. This innovation showcases how export controls, like those imposed by the US, can hinder technological advancement while also driving creativity. DeepSeek's open-source approach promotes accountability and allows developing countries to leverage AI solutions, potentially leveling the playing field. The shift towards open-source models may also encourage smaller players to create tailored AI systems, fostering a collaborative environment rather than a competitive race. Consequently, trade and technological diffusion can significantly enhance global economic growth and innovation.
Why did the 21st century start on 20 January 2025?
The 21st century is considered to have started on 20 January 2025, marked by two significant events: Donald Trump's return to power and the launch of DeepSeek, a transformative open-source AI. Trump's presidency symbolizes the end of U.S. global leadership, while DeepSeek's release indicates a shift from industrial to cognitive capitalism. This new era is characterized by political fragmentation and a techno-cognitive revolution, challenging traditional power structures. The concept of "long centuries" reflects the enduring socio-political forces shaping history, with the long 20th century concluding in 2025, paving the way for a new epoch of volatility and innovation.
What is the Malabo convention?
29 January 2025
Internet governance and digital policy, Legal and regulatory
The Malabo Convention unifies Africa’s cybersecurity, data protection, and e–transactions frameworks. Why was its adoption delayed? What updates are needed for success? Diplo Alumni Andrew Gakiria and Tevin Mwenda Gitonga explore.
An indiscreet view on the budget of multilateralism | Part 1: Who is on top?
29 January 2025
The evolving landscape of global multilateralism, exemplified by the financial contributions of Member States to the United Nations, underscores a shift in influence, with China’s rising share marking a historic turning point alongside the consistent dominance of the United States. This blog explores how funding dynamics reflect broader trends in power distribution, offering a data-driven perspective on the implications for institutions like the Security Council and debates on multipolarism.
From fire to flight: Key milestones in human evolution
28 January 2025
From mastering fire to launching rockets, discover the key milestones that have shaped human evolution. Aldo Matteucci examines.
Trump 2.0 and the Indo-Pacific
27 January 2025
The Indo-Pacific has become a critical arena where global powers converge, exposing divergent views on its strategic scope and significance. As the U.S. navigates its role under the Trump and Biden administrations, questions around militarisation, multilateralism, and China's growing influence shape the future of this pivotal region.
How David outwits Goliath in the age of AI?
25 January 2025
The unveiling of DeepSeek-R, an affordable AI reasoning platform from a Hangzhou startup, signals a pivotal shift in the AI landscape: smaller, innovative solutions can outperform larger, expensive models. This democratization of AI means success will rely on harnessing local knowledge and creativity rather than brute force investment. As the AI economy faces potential instability, nimble operators, including overlooked nations and startups, can leverage tailored, efficient strategies. The future of AI lies in community-driven, sustainable growth, with a focus on creativity over capital, exemplifying the victory of David over Goliath in this new age.
Geoeconomics Takes Center Stage at Davos: Five takeaways
23 January 2025
E-commerce and trade, Economic diplomacy, Geopolitics, Investment diplomacy, Trade diplomacy
The 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos emphasized geoeconomics as a key driver of the global economy, with leaders highlighting the risks posed by geopolitical tensions. Political figures advocated for the importance of an open, cooperative economic order, stressing the need for genuine diplomacy and improved competitiveness. As businesses face risks amid these geopolitical shifts, there are also opportunities for growth. The discourse at Davos called for proactive engagement and partnerships, highlighting the importance of fostering economic resilience and development.
Tech at Trump’s inauguration: Visible presence, loud absence
21 January 2025
At Trump's second inauguration, prominent tech leaders, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, signaled alignment with the administration, raising questions about the future of American tech. However, the absence of major players like Nvidia and Microsoft highlighted a divide, indicating a potential sidelining of responsible AI advocates. The repeal of key AI and digital taxation policies reflects a shift towards deregulation and an "America First" approach, while leaving the crypto space in uncertainty. This landscape suggests a fragmented tech ecosystem, balancing unchecked innovation against the backdrop of global regulatory challenges, raising concerns about the future trajectory of tech governance.
Astropolitics and the militarisation of space: The new arms race?
20 January 2025
As technological advancements lower the barriers to space access, the militarisation of space has become an undeniable reality, with nations integrating space assets into their defence strategies. However, the weaponisation of space—deploying actual combat systems beyond Earth—remains a contentious issue, raising concerns about an impending space arms race and the fragility of existing international legal frameworks.
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