Energy, Food, and Power: The New Geopolitics of Global Markets

Dr. Silvana Sosa Clavijo examines how energy, artificial intelligence, food systems, and geopolitics are reshaping the global economy. As electricity replaces oil as the strategic foundation of growth, nations face new pressures linked to AI-driven energy demand, supply-chain vulnerabilities, and geopolitical instability. The article argues that energy security, food security, and technological competitiveness are now deeply interconnected. It concludes that future global influence will depend on resilient electricity systems, strategic infrastructure, agricultural stability, and control of critical supply chains.

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Critical Minerals and the Green Transition: Europe’s New Dependency Risk

The European Green Deal is one of the most ambitious climate and industrial strategies toward a decarbonized energy system, industrial leadership, and climate resilience. However, while Europe seeks energy independence from fossil fuels, it faces an important vulnerability: dependence on critical minerals. Lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and graphite are indispensable for electric vehicles, renewable infrastructure, and advanced technologies — but their supply is heavily concentrated in a few countries, creating potential strategic bottlenecks.

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A Continent Under Pressure: Europe’s Battle for Sustainable Food Security

Europe’s food security is entering a new era of vulnerability as climate change, rising production costs, geopolitical shocks, and widening inequalities disrupt every stage of the food chain. While food availability remains strong, affordability and access are deteriorating for millions. With climate-driven losses mounting and supply chains increasingly exposed to external risks, Europe must shift from reactive crisis management toward a resilience model built on climate adaptation, supply-chain diversification, stronger food-safety governance, and targeted support for vulnerable consumers.

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Brazil’s “Devastating Bill”

Brazil’s Congress has passed the so-called “devastation bill,” easing environmental licensing for projects in the Amazon and reducing protections for indigenous and quilombola lands. Critics warn it’s the biggest environmental rollback since the 1980s, potentially enabling large-scale deforestation and biodiversity loss. Supporters claim it will boost investment by removing bureaucratic hurdles. President Lula could veto the bill, but Congress may override. With the Amazon’s global role in climate regulation and biodiversity, the law’s passage could have worldwide environmental consequences, including for Africa.

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Ursula von der Leyen’s Multiannual Financial Framework Gamble

On 16 July, Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a bold EUR 2 trillion budget proposal for the EU’s 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. Aiming to shift priorities toward competitiveness, defence, and strategic investment, the plan marks a significant departure from traditional focuses like agriculture and cohesion. While it reflects her vision of a stronger, more centralised EU, the proposal has triggered internal dissent and sparked backlash from member states. The battle over Europe’s future direction is now firmly underway.

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