What's Happening?
New research is focusing on 'quiet geopolitics,' examining how countries like Denmark and Sweden engage in expert-driven collaborations to advance the green transition amidst global geopolitical pressures. This approach contrasts with 'loud geopolitics,' which
is characterized by conflict and receives significant media attention, such as trade wars or disrupted oil supplies. The project, led by Jacob Hasselbalch at CBS, investigates international partnerships where technical expertise and diplomatic efforts are used to create favorable conditions for green technologies and industries. One key area of study is the collaboration between Denmark and Brazil on wind energy and electricity grids, focusing on technical issues like auction design, market regulation, and integrating large amounts of wind energy. Similarly, researchers from Lund University are studying a partnership between Sweden and India concerning industrial transition and fossil-free steel. These initiatives aim to support the green transition in partner countries while simultaneously benefiting the technology and companies from Denmark and Sweden.
Why It's Important?
This research is important because it highlights an alternative approach to international relations in a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions and unstable markets. For small, open economies like Denmark and Sweden, which rely heavily on international markets and have significant investments in green technologies, 'quiet geopolitics' offers a strategy to navigate global challenges without resorting to confrontational tactics. By focusing on technical collaboration and diplomatic engagement, these countries can foster conditions that support their green industries and contribute to global sustainability goals. The partnerships with large, growing economies like Brazil and India are particularly significant, as they represent opportunities to scale up green solutions and create new market conditions. This strategy could also help these smaller nations carve out a role in a global order often dominated by larger powers, by leveraging their expertise in critical areas like renewable energy and sustainable industrial practices.
What's Next?
The ongoing research will provide new insights into how the green transition can progress within a changing geopolitical landscape. The findings from the studies on Denmark-Brazil and Sweden-India partnerships are expected to illuminate the effectiveness of expert-driven agreements in fostering international cooperation on climate and energy issues. These insights could inform future diplomatic strategies for countries seeking to advance their economic and environmental interests through non-confrontational means. The project aims to demonstrate how technical collaboration and shared expertise can create mutually beneficial outcomes, potentially influencing how other nations approach international partnerships in the context of global challenges. The research may also offer a model for creating alternatives to a world order perceived as being dominated by the United States or China, by emphasizing multilateral cooperation based on shared technical and scientific goals.
Beyond the Headlines
The concept of 'quiet geopolitics' delves into the less visible, yet profoundly impactful, aspects of international relations. It underscores the idea that significant geopolitical influence can be exerted through technical collaboration and diplomatic engagement, rather than solely through economic or military power. This approach highlights the ethical dimension of international cooperation, where shared environmental goals and technological advancements can serve as a basis for building trust and stability between nations. It also points to a long-term shift in how countries, particularly those with specialized expertise but limited traditional geopolitical leverage, can secure their interests and contribute to global solutions. The focus on green technologies and sustainable development suggests a future where environmental stewardship and economic prosperity are increasingly intertwined, driving a new form of international diplomacy that prioritizes shared progress over competitive advantage.
