Bruno stated that for the last century, the concept of geopolitics has evolved from the control of physical territories to that of artificial territories. This shift reflects how nations are now competing not just for land but for the creation of virtual environments—where the rules of existence may be defined by these digital landscapes. As political competition increasingly occurs in virtualized frameworks, understanding this evolution is essential for grasping modern international relations.
2. Definition of Superpowers as System Administrators
Bruno outlined the role of superpowers in the contemporary geopolitical landscape, likening them to system administrators in a digital game. He suggested that these entities have the capability to manipulate the game environment, setting rules that favor their inherent strengths. By having the highest level of access and control, these superpowers can create realities that others must navigate, making the stakes of geopolitical rivalry more about the design of the artificial world than mere territorial disputes.
3. The Importance of Building First in a Virtual World
Bruno emphasized that being the first to create a virtual world carries significant power and strategically advantageous positions in geopolitics. He noted that emerging powers may try to reshape existing virtual environments, but they must still adhere to the foundational rules established by dominant players. This reality highlights why early innovation and establishment of new digital landscapes can determine the trajectory of future power dynamics globally.
4. Energy Systems and Geopolitical Competitions
In his talk, Bruno discussed the role of energy systems as critical arenas for superpower competition, specifically mentioning the ongoing contest between the United States and China. He predicted that the third Industrial Revolution would blend AI with a new energy paradigm—be it nuclear or solar—marking another layer of conflict where the ability to dominate this complex would radically reshape global influence and stability.
5. Rules vs. Authority in Geopolitics
Bruno raised a critical question about authority within the geopolitical landscape. He argued that, while no single entity serves as a referee, stability arises from a set of established rules that govern interactions between players. Countries must navigate these rules while simultaneously seeking to adapt or change them, thus amplifying the complex dynamics of power and influence in a seemingly anarchical environment.
6. A Call for Modular Geopolitical Cooperation
Within his framework, Bruno proposed that the future of geopolitics could benefit from a modular approach where different states co-construct parts of a shared virtual world. By effectively collaborating on certain aspects while retaining control over others, this model suggests the possibility of a more balanced global power structure, allowing for collaborative coexistence among superpowers rather than relentless competition.
Join our research newsletter!
Value-packed daily reports covering news, markets, on-chain data, fundraising, governance, and more – sent to your inbox. Saving you 1 hour of research daily.
