Embed Notice

'Many of the same companies that protected Ukraine will be needed to protect Taiwan. But many U.S. technology firms today have a far greater economic stake in China than they did in Russia in 2022, and it’s highly uncertain whether they would choose to support Taiwan.

'The government must seek to contract these new capabilities before conflict breaks out, pre-position these technologies’ physical assets in potential geopolitical hotspots, and begin to treat the companies that are providing these services as allies. [Like with having cable repair/merchant ships on standby?]

'... the personal relationships that encouraged direct, fast communication between the Ukrainian government and the big U.S. companies that could help it may not exist ... They are far more aware of the risk that conflicts can last longer than expected, that costs can accumulate to significant levels, and even that overwhelming public support to help a country in conflict can wane ...

'Taiwan is wary of relying on Starlink access, as well, owing to Musk’s business links to China ...

'[AWS, Google, MSFT] continues to rely on Chinese manufacturing and sells to the Chinese market ... importance of developing a U.S. strategy for the commercial frontier, centered on guaranteeing to allies such as Taiwan the availability of essential technological capabilities before a military confrontation arises.

'The U.S. government should manage public-private partnerships with active diplomacy, treating corporate entities and their leaders as it would allies ... including them in national security discussions, providing certain personnel with security clearances, and sharing information ...

'Other tech leaders watched Musk deal with the complexities of war without the apparent [narrative] support of the U.S. government ...

'... must recognize that, although corporate interests and national interests will not always align, commercial capabilities may be essential to national security objectives ... The United States’ continued ability to defend its allies and partners may soon depend on how well it can harness U.S. tech companies’ growing power'.
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/private-sector-frontline