A rough map of who is pulling the strings right now: governments chasing control over their own energy, food, and borders, and tech companies quietly selling to whoever wins.

• Countries want self-sufficiency in energy, food, industry, and defense, even if it means slower growth and weaker markets.
• Russia wants to absorb Ukraine, China wants Taiwan, and the US has eyed Venezuela and Greenland — all the same regional land grab instinct.
• Russia is angling for a seat at the table, offering to pay a billion dollars and help broker a Palestine deal if it can use its frozen funds.
• Tech firms don't care who wins politically; they want government contracts, data, and bailouts.
• In exchange, they build the digital IDs, robots, and social credit systems for whichever side holds power.

Outlook: Expect more deal-making between big powers and tech companies, with surveillance tools spreading as the price of admission.