As China doubles down on tech sovereignty in its upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, global governance expert Louis Pauly warns: true progress requires international collaboration. Speaking at the Beijing Forum, the University of Toronto professor compared modern tech challenges to ancient maritime traders – both need risk-sharing strategies to survive turbulent waters. 🌊
The Tightrope of Tech Sovereignty
Pauly acknowledged China's push to lead in semiconductors and AI as "normal" economic competition. But he stressed today's interconnected world demands a safety net: "Protection now has to be global" to address climate change, AI risks, and supply chain shocks. 🔄
Learning from History: 1931 vs. 2008
The scholar drew sharp contrasts between isolationist policies that worsened the Great Depression and China's 2008 crisis role that stabilized markets. His solution? Think like insurance companies: "Use reinsurance logic to manage border-spanning risks." 💡
With generative AI advancing faster than TikTok trends, Pauly urged leaders to study insurance history for non-political collaboration models. The takeaway? Tech independence ≠ going solo – it’s about building better global safety nets. 🤝
