Speaker book review: Technology and the rise of great powers

Jeffrey Ding’s Technology and the Rise of Great Powers: How Diffusion Shapes Economic Competition explores how nations rise to power—not just by inventing new technologies but by adopting and adapting innovations from others. It’s a fascinating look at how economic competition plays out on the world stage and what it means for global leadership today. 

The book challenges the idea that technological dominance is simply about breakthroughs. Instead, Ding highlights how technologies spread—or diffuse—across borders and industries, shaping economic and political power along the way. He argues that diffusion often matters more than invention, especially for nations looking to catch up with global leaders. For a community like Iowa City, with its connections to research, education, and innovation, this perspective opens up meaningful conversations about how local resources and expertise can have an impact far beyond our region.

Ding’s analysis of China’s rise as a technological powerhouse stands out. Rather than framing it as a straightforward rivalry with the United States, he focuses on how China has successfully adapted foreign technologies to fuel its growth. It’s a balanced and thought-provoking take that encourages a closer look at interconnectedness rather than competition alone. This resonates with the ICFRC’s focus on fostering dialogue about global cooperation and shared challenges.

The book also raises big questions about governance in a rapidly changing world. From cybersecurity concerns to the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, Ding underscores the need for thoughtful policies to keep up with innovation. These ideas connect directly to the Council’s mission of encouraging informed discussions about international issues that affect all of us—locally and globally.

For those interested in the future of economic competition, Technology and the Rise of Great Powers also touches on what it takes to sustain innovation—long-term investments in education, research, and workforce development. It’s a reminder that preparing for the future isn’t just about technological advances; it’s about creating systems that support growth and collaboration. These themes feel especially relevant to Iowa City’s role as a hub for learning and idea-sharing.

As ICFRC prepares to host Jeffrey Ding later this month, the book provides a great foundation for the upcoming conversation. Ding’s visit offers a chance to dive deeper into topics like technological sovereignty, economic strategies, and what it takes to stay competitive in an interconnected world. It’s also an opportunity to connect with others in the community who care about these issues and want to learn more about how global trends are shaping our lives.

Technology and the Rise of Great Powers is more than a book about competition—it’s about possibility. It invites readers to think about how technology can build bridges, not just barriers, and how we can all play a role in shaping the future. With Jeffrey Ding coming to Iowa City, there’s no better time to start exploring these ideas.

Join our next speaking event with DR. Ding here: ​https://www.icfrc.org/events.html