25 Feb 10 Why the next war will be the war of influence

It has always struck me as strange that when nations fight wars to extend their sphere of influence, they resort to destroying their opponent’s economic resources. The task then is one of investment to build something out of the rubble.

Well, this could all change.

The first thing that we have to do is to ask ourselves what will be behind the next confrontation? What will drive nations (or blocs) to come face-to-face?

The answer (in my book) is access to natural resources in the form of:

• Energy

• Raw materials

• Food and

• Water

So the issue, from a national perspective, is extending the sphere of influence.

Interestingly, this article[1] describes what could possibly have happened – in terms of influence over EU decision-making – if China had bolstered Greece’s crumbling finances.

For the first time in Generation X’s memory, we are facing a (potential) rival that will be wealthier in economic terms than the West is.

Interesting food for thought, if like me, you’re interested in the shape of the future world.

Reference
[1] F. Godemont, “Has the EU escaped a Chinese rescue?,” European Council on Foreign Relations, Feb. 2010.

Tags: economic resources, greece, natural resources