Source: Unraveling Interdependence. What Interdependence?
While some countries are fortunate enough to possess abundant natural resources, others find themselves struggling to secure even the most essential commodities. This reality poses various challenges and implications for the nations involved.
Many advocates of international trade argue that it fosters interdependence among nations, ultimately discouraging conflicts and wars. The belief is that the potential costs of engaging in warfare far outweigh any benefits that might be gained. Unfortunately, real-life scenarios often defy such optimistic perspectives. More often than not, motivations such as dominance, fear, and ethnic rivalries prevail over concerns about the cost of war.
Take the case of Russia, for instance. Fearing suffocation by NATO-allied countries, Russia instigated a war with Ukraine without fully considering the far-reaching consequences it would have on their trade relationships. This shortsightedness demonstrates how territorial concerns can overpower rational economic calculations.
China, another major player on the global stage, has been asserting its claims in the South China Sea and the East China Sea while simultaneously seeking to incorporate Taiwan into its territory. The underlying reasons for these actions stem from the valuable oil and gas deposits that lie beneath those contested waters. Power and resources remain central drivers for many countries, leading them to engage in territorial disputes despite the potential disruptions to trading relationships.
In today’s interconnected world, commercial links often persist even between nations engaged in ongoing conflicts or disputes. NATO and Russia, for example, may not be openly at war, but they find themselves embroiled in proxy conflicts through nations like Ukraine. Such situations create intricate complexities that blur the lines between peaceful trade and hostile actions.
Looking at the United States and China, recent trade tensions have escalated into a tit-for-tat exchange of measures aimed at protecting national interests. The US banned the sale of advanced microchips to China, prompting retaliatory measures from the Chinese government, restricting the export of germanium and gallium – crucial components in microchip production. These actions showcase the risky game of “cutting off one’s nose to spite their face,” wherein short-term gains overshadow long-term consequences.
Adding to the complexity, the United States relies on Russia for its uranium needs, despite the trade sanctions imposed between the two nations. It is a precarious situation where the demand for essential resources clashes with political tensions, demonstrating the potential dangers of relying on adversarial nations for vital commodities.
Meanwhile, amidst the chaos of geopolitical conflicts and economic disputes, countries are attempting to bring manufacturing back to their shores and incentivize domestic mineral exploration. China and Russia, for instance, are actively seeking new customers and diversifying their markets in response to trade sanctions. This maneuvering reflects the intricate dance nations must engage in to navigate a challenging and ever-evolving global landscape.
However, beneath the surface, there looms a somber truth: the once-cherished idea of a thriving, integrated, and interdependent global economy is gradually shattering before us. Major economies are slowly retreating from globalization, evident in the rising protectionist measures adopted by various nations. Already, the consequences of this deglobalization trajectory are beginning to manifest in the marketplace. Cheap imported goods are becoming scarce, and access to crucial resources is increasingly threatened.
As we brace ourselves for what lies ahead, it is clear that the world is embarking on a tumultuous journey. The unraveling interdependence resulting from unevenly distributed resources sends shockwaves throughout the global community. Unless significant shifts occur in the prevailing forces shaping geopolitics and trade, the path of deglobalization seems set, leaving us with a bumpy ride devoid of any immediate prospects for change.
Kumbirai Thierry Nhamo |
Writer, Blogger, Poet and Researcher
Call/WhatsApp: +263780022343 | +263716984317
Email: kumbiraithierryn@gmail.com
Website(s): https://zealousthierry.art.
Post published in: Featured
COMMENTS