12/ The world of borderless digital innovation is being replaced by techno-nationalist silicon curtain. How we handle this shift may define the next era of global politics.

/end

10/ The risk? This military-tech fusion could accelerate great power competition while reducing democratic oversight of both sectors. When national security meets shareholder value, public interest often suffers.

8/9 🧵 Conclusion? A Bloodless Coup
Davos 2025 revealed a “Silicon Curtain” descending:
• US bets on energy-backed hegemony.
• China weaponises open-source efficiency.
• Europe fractures under regulatory theatre.

10/ This isn’t history; it’s a warning. Mayer’s closing words resonate today:

“Nations are made not of oak and rock but of men, and as the men are, so will the nations be.”

Democracy isn’t self-sustaining. It demands vigilance, courage, and action.

9/ The current state of play?
✓ US leads in raw computing power
✓ China pushing efficiency innovations
✓ Both approaches advancing rapidly
❓ Final impact still unclear

5/ How? Three main tricks (in plain English):
• Better scheduling (like optimising traffic flow)
• Smarter communication (better road networks)
• More efficient processing (like teaching cars to ‘draft’ each other)

Adrian, that is pretty amazing and I am a bit scared for Tom

Adrian, how about a retrospective on the World is Flat with AI removing a lot of the labor arbitrage elements and Natural Language and low code platforms

www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Adrian, I appreciate the depth and detail in your notes—keep them coming! They make me feel like we’re sitting together in the cafeteria at the Forum, having one of our engaging conversations.