Geopolitics of Capitalism - State of Power 2025

Subject: Geopolitics of Capitalism - State of Power 2025

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Geopolitical rivalry is reshaping our world, as reactionary nationalists rise to power and global tensions mount. Our 13th State of Power report explores the shifting global order—questioning whether we are witnessing the decline of US imperialism and the rise of a Chinese empire, how nationalism is reshaping neoliberal globalization, and what these seismic shifts mean for the vast majority of the world and for social movements fighting for justice.

Read the full report

Infographics

Who really rules the world? Is China reshaping global power? And in an era of escalating rivalries, what choices remain for the rest of the world?

The State of Power 2025 infographics look at what the latest data reveals, mapping the landscape of global dominance, economic power, and military power.

Which country rules the world?

Does China Pose a challenge to the US empire?

In an age of great power rivalry, where does that leave the rest of the world?

Essays

A fractured world

Reflections on power, polarity and polycrisis

Interview with Adam Tooze and Walden Bello

In this fascinating conversation, Adam Tooze and Walden Bello reflect on the fracturing of US power, the rise of China, the growth of nationalisms and the perils and

possibilities of a multipolar order.

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The new frontline

The US-China battle for control of global networks

Ilias Alami, Jessica DiCarlo, Steve Rolf, Seth Schindler

Current geopolitical competition has deepened into a Second Cold War between US and China, but this is no longer a fight over territory but rather control of global networks – with increased state-led attempts to control semiconductor supply chains and electric vehicle (EV) production to digital platforms, transport infrastructure, and financial payment systems. How can the global South and social movements navigate this new geopolitical terrain?

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AI wars in a new age of Great Power rivalry

Interview with Tica Font, Centre Delàs, Barcelona

The contest for world hegemony has prompted a global arms race, focused on achieving technological supremacy on the battlefield.

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Geopolitics of genocide

Nick Buxton interviews Rafeef Ziadah

The unwavering alliance between the West and Israel is not merely a matter of lobbying or influence; it is a strategic partnership rooted in shared imperial goals. Understanding this broader geopolitical map is essential for building effective alliances and crafting an effective strategy that confront the systems and actors that sustain Israel’s settler-colonial project.

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Building BRICS

Challenges and opportunities for South-South collaboration in a multipolar world

Ana Saggioro Garcia

The BRICS bloc poses a strategic challenge to Western hegemony, but to understand its potential as a counter-power requires a closer look at the complex relations within the bloc and between its members and other countries in the Global South.

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Can China challenge the US empire?

Sean Kenji Starrs

China’s extraordinary growth has led many to assume it will soon replace the US as the world hegemon. It is important to look beyond the headlines at structural power – namely security, finance, production and knowledge – to get a more accurate view of China’s potential and limitations as a global power.

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China and the geopolitics of the green transition

Benjamin Wray

Escalating hostility with green-tech leader China has undermined the energy transition in Europe and the US and now could be completely derailed by a nationalist politics of climate denial. A just green transition depends ever more on combining class politics with rapid decarbonisation and anti-imperialism.

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Beyond Big Tech Geopolitics

Moving towards local and people-centred artificial intelligence

Kai-Hsin Hung

Techno-nationalism could lead to an AI Iron Curtain, splitting the world into geopolitical blocs dominated by Big Tech powers and undermining digital sovereignty in the majority of the world. A locally driven, people-centred AI can help move us beyond Big Tech geopolitics.

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The emerging sub-imperial role of the United Arab Emirates in Africa

Husam Mahjoub

The United Arab Emirates has become a sub-imperial power in Africa, investing in ports, airports and infrastructure projects to extract resources and increase its global political and military influence. Understanding the UAE’s role in reshaping regional geopolitics is critical for resistance and justice movements to challenge imperialist power structures effectively.

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A transatlantic bargain

Europe's ultimate submission to US empire

Juan Lovera

Why has the EU remained largely subservient to US interests even when it has not been beneficial to its elites? It is important to explore the structural ties that bind the EU to the US in order to push for a Europe based on principles of solidarity and cooperation rather than competition and exploitation.

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In search of alternatives

Strategies for social movements to counter imperialism and authoritarianism

Iqra Anugrah

If we understand imperialism as not just military domination, but also a system of economic exploitation by transnational capital with the support of often authoritarian political elites, we are in a better position to build a global popular movement against

both imperialism and authoritarian capitalism.

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Podcast

A Fractured World

Reflections on Power, Polarity and Polycrisis

Nick Buxton in conversation with Adam Tooze and Walden Bello

Don't miss this opportunity to listen to an award-winning economic historian and a renowned Filipino scholar activist discuss the fractured state the world is in, the crisis and continuity of neoliberalism, and the opportunities and threats for social movements.

Listen to the podcast

Artist

Illustrating Geopolitics

For the 13th edition of State of Power, TNI worked with Pakistani illustrator Shehzil Malik, who shared reflections on the artwork and the process.

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TNI helps to make sense of the world's most complex challenges. We are dedicated to putting forward alternative proposals to reflect the just world that TNI, and people like you, are committed to turning into reality. Together we can help ensure we continue to put our ideas into movement. If you would like to help support our work, please consider making a donation.

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Subject: Geopolitics of Capitalism - State of Power 2025