Geo-economic Coercion, Technological Rivalry and Global Fragmentation: Supply Chain Weaponization and Strategic Interdependence in Contemporary Great Power Competition
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62843/jssr.v6i2.722Keywords:
Supply Chain Weaponization, Great Power Competition, Geo-economic CoercionAbstract
The global economy has transformed from a system of integration to one of geopolitical competition through global supply chains.Global supply chains are now being used and transformed from an instrument of economic integration to the area of geopolitical competition. In this study, the weaponization of supply chains in today's great power rivalry is explored, focusing on a U.S.-China rivalry. It examines the use of critical mineral restrictions, semiconductor export controls and sanctions, technological infrastructure and logistics networks as instruments of geo economic coercion in the hands of states. This research applies a qualitative analytical method to examine the changes in production systems around the world due to COVID-19, Russia–Ukraine conflicts and the growing technological competition. The results show that liberal notions of "interdependence" and "win-win" have been undermined by the process of supply chain weaponisation and the trends of selective decoupling, de-risking, reshoring and economic fragmentation have been accelerated. The study argues that control over critical technologies, resilient production networks, strategic chokepoints, and state’s ability of turning economic dependence to geopolitical leverage will increasingly define the nature of future great power competition.
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