A NEW ERA OF TECHNO-IMPERIALISM
The move exposes a new reality: Musk’s proximity to the US president, known for his transactional approach to foreign policy, is impacting how countries are writing regulations – and in ways that stand to further enrich the billionaire.
Musk’s pseudo-government role is already causing consternation in Washington over a slew of potential conflicts of interest. Vietnam’s change of heart reveals how this new era of techno-imperialism is quietly reshaping policy in developing countries.
Vietnam isn’t alone in its efforts to court the world’s wealthiest man and his political clout. Bangladesh’s interim leader recently invited Musk to visit the country and launch Starlink.
It’s true that expanding access to satellite internet has upsides in both countries; the service can help boost connectivity across harder-to-reach mountainous and rural regions. And these nations have nothing to gain by trying to separate Musk’s business empire from US foreign policy.
Vietnam, meanwhile, is going through its own government overhaul. Leaders recognize that tariffs would devastate their export-driven economy. Opening its tech savvy market up to Musk’s business, even without a domestic partner, still seems like a wiser option. And it’s an attention-grabbing way to chip away at its trade surplus with the US.
But is Vietnam setting up a bad precedent? Should the personal business interests of Trump’s “first buddy” be enough to alter US trade policy? Is opening up your marketplace to Musk a sufficient reason to avoid the president’s long-promised tariffs?