Tech as a geopolitical tool

Urban technologies can be consideredgeopolitical toolsand, much like traditional resources, they are now at the forefront of international disputes and power plays. The "Smart Cities" idea often associated with U.S. and Western models of urban development and the "Safe Cities" concept championed by China (aimed at enhancing public safety through surveillance technologies, among others) are more than just technological frameworks; they represent strategic narratives in both technical-cultural arenas and new emerging markets. These concepts demonstrate the broader competition in the realm of technology and its role in shaping the future of urban spaces globally.