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From the former news policy lead at Google, an urgent and groundbreaking account of the high-stakes global cyberwar brewing between Western democracies and the autocracies of China and Russia that could potentially crush democracy.From 2016 to 2020, Jacob Helberg led Google’s global internal product policy efforts to combat disinformation and foreign interference. During this time, he found himself in the midst of what can only be described as a quickly escalating two-front technology cold war between democracy and autocracy. On the front-end, we’re fighting to control the software—applications, news information, social media platforms, and more—of what we see on the screens of our computers, tablets, and phones, a clash which started out primarily with Russia but now increasingly includes China and Iran. Even more ominously, we’re also engaged in a hidden back-end battle—largely with China—to control the Internet’s hardware, which includes devices like cellular phones, satellites, fiber-optic cables, and 5G networks. This tech-fueled war will shape the world’s balance of power for the coming century as autocracies exploit twenty-first-century methods to re-divide the world into twentieth century-style spheres of influence. Helberg cautions that the spoils of this fight are power over every meaningful aspect of our lives, including our economy, our infrastructure, our national security, and ultimately, our national sovereignty. Without a firm partnership with the government, Silicon Valley is unable to protect democracy from the autocrats looking to sabotage it from Beijing to Moscow and Tehran. The stakes of the ongoing cyberwar are no less than our nation’s capacity to chart its own future, the freedom of our democratic allies, and even the ability of each of us to control our own fates, Helberg says. And time is quickly running out.

In his thought-provoking book, "The Wires of War: Technology and the Global Struggle for Power," Jacob Helberg delves into the intricate relationship between technology and power dynamics in the modern world. With meticulous research and analysis, Helberg explores how technological advancements have influenced warfare, diplomacy, and the balance of power among nations.

Beginning with a historical overview, Helberg traces the evolution of military technology from the early days of gunpowder to the advent of nuclear weapons and cyber warfare. He examines how technological innovations have shaped the outcomes of conflicts, from ancient battles to contemporary proxy wars.

Helberg argues that the rapid pace of technological change has fundamentally altered the nature of warfare, blurring the lines between military and civilian domains. He highlights the increasing reliance on information technology, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems, and their implications for decision-making, strategic planning, and the conduct of war.

Beyond its impact on warfare, Helberg explores how technology has also transformed diplomacy and geopolitics. He examines how digital diplomacy, cyber espionage, and social media manipulation have reshaped international relations and created new avenues for both cooperation and conflict.

In addition, Helberg analyzes the global struggle for power in the context of technological advancements. He argues that access to cutting-edge technologies, control over critical infrastructure, and the ability to dominate cyberspace have become key factors in determining a nation's influence and security. He examines the rise of techno-nationalism, the emergence of new technological superpowers, and the implications of the digital divide for global stability.

"The Wires of War" is a timely and thought-provoking examination of the complex interplay between technology and power. Helberg's insights offer a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements in the 21st century, challenging readers to consider the ethical, legal, and geopolitical implications of a world increasingly shaped by technology.