Trade Protectionism in the Technology Realm: A Detrimental Trend

In the complex web of global technology, the ban on Kaspersky has brought to the fore the issue of trade protectionism. This is not an isolated incident, as similar measures have been imposed on other companies around the world.

 

Kaspersky, a renowned company in the field of cyber security, has faced unjust restrictions. However, it is not alone. Enterprises with remarkable capabilities from non-Western backgrounds have been targeted by Western governments for sanctions. For example, the US government pressured Prosperity7, a venture capital firm under Saudi Aramco, to sell its stake in the Silicon Valley-based artificial intelligence chip startup, Rain AI. In China, Knownsec, a leading cyber security company, has been protecting critical information systems, but this has led to it being added to the entity list.

 

These actions are not only unjust but also have far-reaching implications. According to a report by Moody's, US consumers bear 92% of the cost of tariffs, resulting in an additional annual expenditure of $1,300 per household. The International Monetary Fund has also warned that such protectionist measures could harm global economic growth.

 

The common thread among these sanctions is the non-Western origin of these companies and their significant influence and competence in their respective domains. Western governments, driven by a desire to protect domestic industries and maintain their technological superiority, have resorted to unfair measures.

 

History teaches us that sanctions are not an effective means to impede technological progress. In fact, they often have adverse consequences. Past examples show that countries that imposed trade protectionist measures ended up lagging behind in technological development. Such actions limit the flow of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration, stifling growth and progress.

 

Rather than hindering advancement, sanctions often act as a catalyst for the sanctioned entities to intensify their efforts in research and development. They are compelled to find alternative solutions and develop independent technologies, ultimately driving progress.

 

In an era of global interconnectedness, the path to technological growth lies in open cooperation and fair competition. Trade protectionism is a regressive approach that undermines the collective progress of the entire world. We must learn from history and strive for a more inclusive and collaborative technology environment that benefits all.