Geopolítica dos cabos submarinos de telecomunicações: a rivalidade entre China e Estados Unidos

Abstract

The work at hand proposes an analysis of the geopolitical conflict between China and the United States concerning the construction, maintenance, and operation of submarine telecommunications cables. The outlined objectives aim to understand the implications for informational security, geopolitical influence, and global connectivity within the context of the ongoing conflict. The adopted qualitative approach provides an analysis of events, actors, and the political, economic, and technological contexts. The study was structured into a theoretical stage and three methodological phases following the principles of content analysis. After the introductory elements, the dissertation revisits geopolitical thought from an essentially geographical perspective, highlighting key concepts and the interdisciplinary nature inherent in both classical and contemporary geopolitics. The third section delves into the peculiarities of global data transmission, exploring the historical evolution of submarine cables and their geopolitical significance in the context of the informational revolution that began in the second half of the 20th century. Part four aims to identify the key players in the cable business, analyze geopolitical changes in the 21st century, and examine cable projects impacted by the China-United States conflict, using what we call the "geopolitical conflict factor" as an analytical tool. In the conclusion, we point to the recent election of Donald Trump as a significant milestone, highlighting geopolitical tensions and the growing estrangement between the two powers, especially regarding the technology sector. The research emphasizes how rivalry manifests in both countries’ attempts to gain greater control over global telecommunications and data infrastructures, reflecting the deepening divide between their technological networks. Geopolitical disputes over submarine cables and other critical infrastructures are likely to persist, with long-term impacts on global connectivity and international economic and political dynamics.