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Why New Zealand is on a map of the USA
22 days ago
- A Reddit subreddit exists for maps that omit New Zealand, including a humorous map of the USA, which technically lacks New Zealand but includes its distant connection through Swains Island (Olohega).
- Swains Island, a tiny uninhabited coral atoll in American Samoa, is geographically part of Tokelau and historically linked to New Zealand through cultural and political disputes over sovereignty.
- The island's history involves Polynesian settlement, Western exploration, exploitation via copra plantations and blackbirding, and annexation by the US in 1925, with ongoing territorial claims by Tokelau despite New Zealand's recognition of US control.
Spain Orders Blacklist of Palantir from Public and Private Companies
20 days ago
- The Spanish government has blacklisted Palantir from state-controlled public and private companies due to concerns about misuse of classified national security information.
- Major affected entities include Telefónica, Indra, and Navantia, with procurement deals disrupted, such as a Navantia project and a Guardia Civil agreement.
- Palantir still holds an active €16.5 million defense contract expiring in November 2026, with military leaders lobbying for renewal despite political opposition.
- The blacklist aligns with geopolitical tensions between Spain and the U.S., as Palantir founders have ties to Donald Trump, and Spain is investing in domestic tech alternatives like Openchip.
- Similar pushback against Palantir is occurring in Europe, with France ending collaborations and Germany favoring European competitors.
U.S. Policies Unintentionally Accelerated China's Open AI Ecosystems
18 days ago
- U.S. policies aimed at AI leadership raised costs for China's AI development but increased the strategic value of open, adaptable AI systems.
- China integrated open-source AI into national strategy through ecosystem building, standards, and resilient deployment after U.S. export controls.
- Chinese developers increased engagement with open-source LLM repositories more than U.S. developers, shifting toward open infrastructure under constraints.
- Chinese open models spread through open-source communities and research, with U.S. commercial entities using them in open-access research.
- Technological containment policies may unintentionally accelerate open innovation ecosystems as a competitive response, affecting global AI leadership.
IEA Predicts First Decrease in Global Oil Demand Since 2020
2 days ago
- Global oil demand may decline for the first time since 2020, driven by Middle East trade restrictions and geopolitical unrest.
- The IEA forecasts a 1 million bpd drop in 2026, citing the U.S.-Israeli-led conflict with Iran and Strait of Hormuz disruptions.
- The Strait of Hormuz closure, a key oil transit route, has severely cut supply and disrupted global trade.
- IEA's outlook hinges on a ceasefire reopening the Strait; renewed hostilities pose risks to recovery.
- Global supply could fall by 3.7 million bpd in 2026, with potential deficits worsening if the Strait remains closed.
- OPEC lowered its 2026 demand growth forecast to 780,000 bpd, reflecting market constraints and geopolitical tensions.
- Countries are diversifying energy sources and seeking alternative routes to reduce Middle East dependence.
- OPEC+ production rose to 36.28 million bpd in June, but targets remain unmet due to Strait restrictions.

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#geopolitics

Why New Zealand is on a map of the USA

Spain Orders Blacklist of Palantir from Public and Private Companies

U.S. Policies Unintentionally Accelerated China's Open AI Ecosystems

IEA Predicts First Decrease in Global Oil Demand Since 2020