Technological advancements have profoundly reshaped global dynamics, intertwining with resource nationalism and the pervasive influence of the internet. The rapid development of renewable energy technologies, for instance, presents both opportunities and challenges. While offering a potential pathway towards energy independence, it also fuels competition for critical minerals essential for their production, such as lithium and cobalt. This intensified competition often manifests as resource nationalism, where countries prioritize domestic control over these vital resources, sometimes at the expense of international cooperation and free trade. The internet, a seemingly borderless realm, further complicates this landscape. While it facilitates global collaboration in research and development, it also serves as a platform for the dissemination of nationalistic narratives and protectionist policies. Governments leverage online platforms to promote national interests, sometimes employing propaganda or censorship to control information flow. This can lead to the fragmentation of the global community, hindering efforts towards shared solutions to pressing issues such as climate change and resource scarcity. Moreover, the digital divide exacerbates existing inequalities. Unequal access to technology and digital literacy creates disparities in the ability to participate in the global economy and benefit from technological advancements. This digital divide often intersects with existing geopolitical tensions, reinforcing existing power imbalances between developed and developing nations. Nations with advanced technological infrastructure can leverage their advantage to influence global norms and standards, potentially at the expense of less technologically advanced nations. Consider the implications for data sovereignty and the control of intellectual property in this context. In conclusion, the interplay of technological innovation, resource nationalism, and the internet creates a complex and dynamic global environment. Navigating this environment requires a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by each factor, and a commitment to international cooperation to mitigate potential conflicts and promote equitable access to resources and technology.
1. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a consequence of resource nationalism fueled by technological advancements?
2. The passage suggests that the internet's role in the context of technological advancement and resource nationalism is primarily:
3. What is the main point regarding the "digital divide" as discussed in the passage?
4. The passage's concluding statement emphasizes the need for: