High performance computing in US-China relations
CASE SUMMARY: This analysis explores the escalating geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China over supercomputing, framing it as a new technological "arms race" for economic and strategic advantage. It details how China's development of the world's top-ranked supercomputer, Tianhe-2, prompted new US investment initiatives and trade restrictions on key components like Intel chips. The article concludes that this competition, driven by national prestige and security concerns, could lead to mutual exclusion policies that ultimately damage both nations' economic prospects.
Constraints in Kenya’s information landscape
CASE SUMMARY: This article details the increasing pressure on Kenya's media, arguing that despite constitutional protections for press freedom, the government is fostering a climate of fear and censorship. It outlines how journalists face intimidation and how the government has pushed through "draconian" legislation to control media through fines and regulation. The piece suggests that political elites also exert influence through media ownership and advertising, degrading the quality of information and making it more difficult for external observers to source reliable data on the country.