Technology will change geopolitics

Geopolitics is the study of the effects of the Earth’s geography on politics and international relations. For example, the conflict between China and the Philippines is primarily dictated by geography in the sense that both countries border the South China Sea. In terms of geopolitics, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine from hindsight was inevitable.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, nobody thought that Ukraine could survive for more than a few weeks at most. Russia had more than twice as many soldiers as Ukraine. Its military budget was more than ten times as large. The US intelligence community estimated that Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, would fall within one or two weeks at the most.

Against tremendous odds, Ukraine has so far survived. One reason is of course, the fighting spirit of the Ukrainian population. Another reason is that Ukraine used technology to level the fighting field.

The effect of artificial intelligence (AI) may be still be a bit off in the future.

However, the technology of drones has been used effectively by Ukraine. This is a lesson that the Philippines can use if they ever come into conflict with a superior military nation. Ukraine has been able to manufacture its own drones with its distinct advantage over traditional weapons. They are smaller and cheaper and offer unmatched surveillance capabilities. They also reduce the risk of exposure of ordinary soldiers. Ukraine has been able to sink Russian naval vessels and inflict serious damage on Russian infrastructure inside Russia. Again, I repeat that these were done with drones manufactured in Ukraine itself.

Imagine if the Philippines could develop its own capability to manufacture simple drones that can be used for surveillance in the West Philippine Sea and also used to attack any forces that may invade any part of this country.

Technological dominance is becoming more crucial in bolstering any country’s ability to wage war. Innovation in simple technologies has also given less powerful countries economic power by giving them leverage over supply chains.

Countries that enjoy advantages in technology are becoming fewer. Due to more accessible academic research and the rise of