Tech Won't Save Us Can Europe End Its Dependence on US Tech? w/ Aline Blankertz
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Apr 10, 2025 Aline Blankertz, an economist specializing in digital policy at Rebalance Now and former Wikimedia Germany staff, dives into Europe's struggle to break free from US tech dependence. She discusses the political complexities of achieving digital sovereignty and the push for local alternatives like the Eurostack. The conversation also touches on the intertwining of military interests and tech innovation, raising ethical questions about AI in defense. Ultimately, Blankertz calls for a collaborative, values-driven approach to technology amidst global challenges.
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Europe's Mixed Response
- Europe's response to US pressure is mixed, with some aligning with Trump's and Musk's themes on deregulation.
- The focus is on building counterpower, often framed in military and nationalist terms, rather than addressing authoritarianism.
Global Interdependence and US Leverage
- Global interdependence makes finding new frameworks difficult.
- The US leverages other countries' dependence on them, raising new questions for European policymakers.
European Powers' Strategic Dilemma
- European powers, particularly the German-French connection, are strategizing towards the US, but Trump's actions make it challenging.
- There's agreement on increasing military investment, but the target enemy remains unclear.