In today’s world, the battleground for global dominance has shifted from mighty navies controlling vital waterways to the web of networks that supply your broadband. Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite internet company, is at the forefront of this new era, with governments increasingly tying it to their own foreign policies. The blurred lines between military and strategic uses of technology have transformed the economic plumbing of the world into a politicized arena.
- Cost of Fragmented Networks: The proliferation of multiple networks, be it satellites, 5G mobile, undersea cables, or payment systems, comes at a cost. Governments and regulators are increasingly wary of reliance on foreign technologies and are seeking alternatives to ensure resilience and diversity in the face of geopolitical fragmentation.
- European Union’s Struggle: The European Union, long dependent on superior US technology for satellites, is now striving to create its own alternatives to Starlink. The IRIS² project, aimed at establishing a fleet of low-earth and medium-earth orbit satellites, faced challenges due to internal disagreements and conflicting priorities between member states. Despite these obstacles, the EU has committed significant funds to reduce its dependence on external powers and enhance its strategic autonomy.
- Challenges Ahead: While the EU has taken steps towards creating alternative satellite systems, the timeline for launch and coverage still falls short of matching Starlink’s capabilities. Addressing issues of coverage in areas like Ukraine poses a significant challenge, especially in situations requiring a swift and large-scale deployment of terminals.
- The Cost of Resilience: Expanding and renewing fleets of internet satellites entail substantial costs, but the economic benefits in preserving global trade far outweigh these expenses. Building redundancy in communication networks, such as undersea cables, while not cheap, is deemed essential for economic security.
- European Perspective: The EU’s focus on economic goods and services rather than the infrastructure itself has hindered progress towards achieving economic security and strategic autonomy. The realization of this oversight, compounded by recent geopolitical shifts, underscores the need for Europe to prioritize infrastructure development and catch up swiftly with the changing landscape.
As we navigate this new terrain, characterized by rapid technological advancements and geopolitical complexities, the imperative remains clear: adapt quickly, build strategically, and ensure resilience in the face of evolving global networks. The future of economic security hinges on our ability to move fast and construct the necessary foundations to withstand the challenges ahead.
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