Great Power Competition

Great Power Competition refers to the intensifying global rivalry between major powers—primarily the United States, China, and Russia—as they compete for influence across military, economic, technological, and diplomatic spheres.

Military and Defense Challenges

The Pentagon’s primary mission has shifted to preparing for potential great power conflict, particularly with China in Asia. This drives decisions about military modernization, from the cost and complexity of why U.S. Navy ships cost so much and take so long to build to investments in America’s hypersonic weapons race. Despite a $900 billion military budget, the U.S. military faces significant readiness challenges. Meanwhile, the U.S., Russia, and China are ramping up nuclear testing activities, raising escalation risks.

Critical Infrastructure and Technology

Competition extends to protecting vital systems like securing the internet’s physical backbone under the ocean, while the National Security Council obsesses over microchips and critical minerals supply chains against China. Disputes like the U.S.-China TikTok deal highlight reaches into consumer tech.

Space, Strategy, and Alliances

Cold War rivalry still shapes America’s space policy, with America, China, and Russia racing for the Moon and Mars. Diplomacy varies, from transactional Taiwan policy to NATO security changes.

Economic and Development Tools

“America First” is reshaping foreign aid, amid challenges like China, Europe, and de-dollarization. Strategies like Trump’s 2025 National Security Strategy guide agencies.