As great power competition reemerges in the 21st century, climate changes and technological innovations open up new frontiers for political dominance.
“The possibility of change creates the likelihood that there will be winners and losers. Powerful or potentially powerful states want to be winners and are jockeying for position in a changing world,” Esther Brimmer, senior fellow in global governance at the Council on Foreign Relations, said at the 2025 Borah Symposium plenary address on Sept. 30 at the University of Idaho.
Brimmer’s career has spanned government, academia and non-governmental organization leadership, including her time as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs from 2009-2013. Her research focuses on great power competition in areas beyond national jurisdiction, such as oceans, outer space and polar regions.
Great power competition is reemerging as a defining factor of the modern world, driven by technological innovation and shifting political power. In the 21st century, power is no longer defined by just military strength; instead, states must also be strong in education, health, finance and human rights.
Brimmer introduced five factors that have helped reignite great power competition: seeking favorable trade opportunities; access to new domains, especially the Arctic and outer space; the quest for necessary resources; the return of China after 250 years of Euro-Atlantic dominance; and the wavering political foothold of the U.S.
The global economy has expanded greatly since the end of the Cold War, Brimmer said, bringing significant economic change.
“Manufacturing moved from developing countries to emerging economies, especially in Asia. Rapid, reliable maritime transport enabled production to occur thousands of miles away from consumption,” Brimmer said. “Keeping maritime channels open has become an economic necessity.”
New technologies and new frontiers also allow for the harvest of more physical resources. However, Brimmer said the ability to communicate could also be considered a resource. “Being able to deliver a message or plant an idea in millions of minds in less than a day is also power in our age,” Brimmer said.
Access to new domains is also a common factor of competition. Technological advancements and environmental changes have opened up certain areas for use, especially the Arctic and outer space.
As temperatures increase, the Arctic is affected much faster than the rest of the world, Brimmer said. Melting sea ice opens the Arctic Ocean as an alternative route for trade.
Human activity in outer space is represented in three areas: scientific, national security and commercial. Space has historically been a realm for scientific competition, especially during the Cold War-era Space Race, and it now serves as a place for new economic activity.
“I must admit, I find this situation fascinating. We see great powers encounter each other in this arena. They are competitors, but have shared interests, at least in avoiding coalitions. There is a competitive spirit amongst companies,” Brimmer said.
Currently, two space stations orbit the earth: the International Space Station, a collaboration between the U.S., Russia, Canada, Japan and the European Space Agency, launched in 1998; and China’s Tiangong space station, launched in April of 2021.
“Space will be one of the most dynamic areas for great power competition. Change is driven by technological breakthroughs that enable greater human activity in space,” Brimmer said. “Space is an area beyond national jurisdiction.”
Despite the instability that comes from great power competition, it does not need to lead to war if communication and cooperation are strengthened, Brimmer said. With China and the U.S., competition is developing in outer space regarding technology development and space traffic management. Brimmer recommended that the two countries establish some sort of direct hotline to solve issues.
“Great powers need to find ways to communicate with each other, to reduce misunderstandings and misinterpretations,” she said.
The Borah Symposium is an annual event at UI that aims to educate on and improve global peace and relations. Featuring lectures, panel discussions and community events, the symposium brings together international leaders, activists and scholars to discuss solutions to war and conflict.
The symposium is sponsored by the Borah Foundation, named in honor of Sen. William E. Borah, a leader in international cooperation and diplomacy.
The 2025 symposium centers on “Great Power Competition.” It marks the 87th year and the 78th consecutive year of the program.
Dakota Steffen can be reached at [email protected].