Strategic competition increasingly revolves around technology. Chips, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, quantum computing, biotechnology and satellite systems have both civilian and security applications.
This creates difficult choices for policymakers. Export controls can protect sensitive capabilities but may also encourage competitors to build alternatives. Open research accelerates discovery but can spread useful knowledge widely. Cooperation can reduce costs while creating dependencies.
The most sustainable strategy is likely to combine investment with targeted safeguards. Technological leadership depends not only on restrictions, but also on universities, skilled workers, capital markets, infrastructure and international partnerships.