The trade relations between the Netherlands and China are currently being threatened by the Netherlands priority of national security as well as the US-China trade war. National security concerns and geopolitical conditions can and are shaping the semiconductor industry of the world.
China’s dominating influence of the global critical mineral markets poses a pressing threat to international supply chains. These minerals are vital for advanced technologies, from semiconductors to renewable energy. With a global energy transition reliant on critical minerals, their increased demand has provided Beijing a whip hand to utilise in other geopolitical spheres.
The government has assumed a position where International Relations are unanchored from the link between the nation-states.
The 100-day threshold has been passed: since October 7, when the latest phase of the conflict in Gaza began, the situation has evolved on multiple levels. As the echoes of the conflict have widened, regional and international actors become increasingly involved. Once again, the waters of the Middle East are turbulent, reflecting an unstable geopolitical situation.
How we can understand the current socio-economic governance? Is only the private sector the main economic vector? The globalization has multiplied and strengthened economic, social, political, and environmental agendas, risks, and potential coordinations, but which should be the role of the State in this context?
Although Mercosur might have had some important economic victories during its 31st year of existence, the truth is that the bloc is still entangled with too much infighting and bad blood. Mercosur is due for a major overhaul if it wants to regain its relevancy.
Brexit has inevitably revolutionized the position of the UK in geopolitics, and the latter has had to start over agreements with the whole world. Finding itself in such a globalised environment that demands deals to be secured rapidly, it is inevitable the UK has been wanting to prioritise agreements that would bring win-win benefits for its growth as an individual power. These, including the deal with Japan, will take time to perfection.
