What happened
The Atlantic Council's in-depth strategy paper argues that to outcompete China in scientific and technological leadership the United States must strengthen tech-centric engagement with the Global South, where China already sells over 50% more goods than the US and Western Europe combined ($1.6 trillion vs. $1 trillion in 2024). It sets three goals — outcompete China in tech-based exchange, coordinate with partners, and preserve cooperation under geopolitical tension — operationalized through six elements including tailoring technology to Global South development priorities, leveraging US diaspora networks, and using coercive tools sparingly. AI, ICT standards-setting, and critical minerals are framed as decisive fronts in US-China competition across Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, MENA, and Asia-Pacific. The paper closes with concrete recommendations including investing in educational and technical partnerships and modernizing US government overseas capabilities.
Why it matters
For firms with Global South expansion or AI-standard participation, the paper maps where US and Chinese technology influence is being contested — informing market-entry, trade-compliance, and standards-strategy decisions over the next few years.
Action needed
Assess whether your Global South AI/tech go-to-market and standards engagement aligns with the paper's goal of outcompeting China-based supply and investment channeled through these markets.