All articles tagged with #geopolitical influence
Italy is expected to support the EU-Mercosur free-trade agreement in a vote on January 9, 2026, paving the way for the EU to sign the deal with South American countries, which would create a large market, reduce tariffs, and enhance Europe's global economic influence, despite opposition from France and concerns over agricultural protections.
China has criticized the withdrawal of Italy, its only major Western partner, from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), warning against "undermining" the project. Italy, the first G7 nation to join the initiative, notified China of its plan to exit in 2024. The BRI, which aims to recreate ancient trade routes through massive infrastructure investments, has faced criticism for potentially increasing China's geopolitical influence and burdening poorer countries with unsustainable debts. Despite leaving the BRI, Italy intends to maintain strong relations with China.
Italy has withdrawn from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), becoming the first G7 nation to do so. The BRI aims to invest in infrastructure projects to recreate the ancient Silk Road trade routes. Critics argue that the initiative allows China to expand its geopolitical influence and burden poorer countries with unsustainable debts. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who took office last year, opposed Italy's participation, citing the lack of substantial benefits. The decision was communicated to Beijing in a recent letter, but Rome remains cautious about potential retaliation from China.
Venezuela's declaration to cooperate with China and Russia on the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) has significant geopolitical implications. The ILRS, envisioned as a comprehensive scientific experiment base, is in competition with the U.S.-backed Artemis Accords for lunar exploration and cooperation. The race for lunar real estate is also a competition for technological capacity on Earth, particularly in the mining of strategic minerals. China's growing ties to Venezuela and the region, including energy cooperation and military ties, highlight its expanding influence at the expense of the United States and Russia. Venezuela's commitment to the ILRS symbolizes an alternative future vision of China leading in both Earth and space exploration.
Qatar Investment Authority's five-percent stake in Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Washington Wizards, Mystics, and Capitals, is the first instance of a sovereign wealth fund investing in major American sports. This is part of a larger trend of Gulf countries using their oil money to diversify their economies and gain more influence through sports, culture, and entertainment. While some view this as sportswashing, the objective is more ambitious than that, with actual geopolitical influence being the greater goal. As franchise valuations increase, the number of individuals with the available capital shrinks, making it likely that petrostates will court American sports leagues.