Steven Feldman: The World Is Already on a War Footing #geopolitics #2026 #globaleconomy #finance

Key Concepts

• Asymmetry in Warfare: Utilizing unconventional methods (like drones, cyberattacks) to offset a power imbalance.
• Democratization of War: The lowering of barriers to entry for engaging in conflict, particularly through technology.
• Hard Power: The use of military and economic means to influence the behavior or interests of other political bodies.
• Cyber Warfare: Utilizing computer technology to disrupt the activities of a state or organization.
• Infrastructure Vulnerability: The susceptibility of critical systems (power grids, communication networks) to attack.

The Evolving Landscape of Global Conflict

The speaker asserts that the world is currently operating under conditions akin to a state of war, despite a lack of formally declared conflicts. This isn’t presented as a negative prediction (“gloom and doom”) but rather as a recognition of a fundamental shift in the nature of warfare – specifically, the rise of asymmetry. The conflict in Ukraine serves as a prime example, demonstrating that the cost of war can be significantly reduced through the deployment of drone technology and other asymmetrical tactics. Crucially, the speaker emphasizes that even possessing the capability to utilize such technology, rather than the technology itself, is becoming a key factor – “you just need a computer.”

Cyber Warfare and Infrastructure Attacks

A significant component of this new landscape is the increasing prevalence of cyber warfare. The speaker cites specific instances of hostile activity: Russia has reportedly infiltrated Swedish infrastructure with malware, and China has done the same within American infrastructure. These attacks are occurring without a declaration of war, highlighting the blurred lines of contemporary conflict. This demonstrates a vulnerability in critical systems – the susceptibility of infrastructure to disruption.

Shifting Geopolitical Alignments & The End of Pretense

The speaker points to a notable change in geopolitical rhetoric as evidence of this shift. The example of Denmark suggesting a potential conflict with the United States over Greenland, while dismissed by some as mere posturing, is presented as a sign that the “mask is off.” This refers to the abandonment of pretense regarding international relations. The speaker notes the irony of the current US administration, which came to power promising an end to foreign wars, now seemingly preparing for potential military engagement, “surgically at a minimum but maybe more.”

The Return of "Hard Power"

The core argument is that the world has re-entered an era of hard power. This means a return to a focus on military and economic strength as primary tools of influence. The speaker explicitly states that this reality is no longer being concealed; there is no longer an attempt to portray international relations as anything other than a competition for power. This contrasts with periods where diplomatic efforts and soft power were prioritized.

Logical Connections & Synthesis

The speaker establishes a clear connection between the democratization of war (lowering the barriers to entry through technology), the rise of asymmetrical tactics, and the increasing frequency of cyberattacks. These factors collectively contribute to a more volatile and unpredictable global security environment. The shift in geopolitical rhetoric, exemplified by Denmark’s statement, is presented as a consequence of this underlying change – a recognition that the rules of the game have fundamentally altered.

The central takeaway is that the nature of conflict has evolved, moving beyond traditional declarations of war and large-scale military engagements towards a more subtle, technologically driven, and potentially pervasive form of competition. This new reality demands a reassessment of traditional security strategies and a heightened awareness of vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.