

Henry Farrell on Weaponized Interdependence, Big Tech, and Playing with Ideas
Oct 23, 2019
Henry Farrell, a political science professor at George Washington University, dives deep into his theory of weaponized interdependence. He discusses the effects of global economic networks on state coercion, touching on key issues like social media regulation and the implications of a big tech breakup for privacy. Farrell also reflects on the complexities of transatlantic relations, Twitter's political landscape, and the intersection of corporate interests with political expression. His insights extend to cultural shifts in Ireland, showcasing the playful nature of intellectual debate.
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5G Security Risks
- Huawei's control over 5G networks presents security risks, much like the NSA's past surveillance.
- We must accept some vulnerabilities and prioritize robust, redundant systems over economic efficiency.
EU Control Over SWIFT
- The EU could exert more control over SWIFT, a nominally European payments network, by increasing its regulatory power.
- This would require heavier institutional involvement, potentially facing resistance from member states.
EU Regulation of Facebook
- The internet's self-regulation era has ended, with nations now vying for control over platforms.
- While the EU's actions may not be ideal, their regulatory clout is preferable to US inaction or authoritarian control.