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Daily SignalFeb 23, 2026·8:06 PM UTC

Fear of AI is sending shockwaves through the markets, with experts warning of potential civilization-level consequences as economic and geopolitical instability intensifies.

Fear of AI is sending shockwaves through the markets, with experts warning of potential civilization-level consequences as economic and geopolitical instability intensifies.

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Technology
EP 46·Feb 9, 2026

AI-Powered Intelligence: How Machines Are Changing Analysis

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Infrastructure
EP 45·Feb 2, 2026

The Infrastructure Bill Two Years Later: Winners and Losers

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EP 44·Jan 26, 2026

The Creator Economy and Cultural Power

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Economy

China overtakes US as Germany’s top trading partner

Germany's deepening economic embrace with China isn't just about trade figures. Watch how Berlin navigates transatlantic tensions as its industrial base becomes increasingly reliant on Beijing. This shift reshapes Germany's leverage in future EU policy decisions. The real question: Will security concerns outweigh economic dependencies in Merz's calculus?

Feb 23, 2026·5 min read

More Analysis

Technology

Clueless Bernie Sanders stumped at Stanford Union, pushes data center pause

Sanders' call for control over tech innovation masks a deeper struggle: who defines "the public good" in a data-driven economy? A moratorium on data centers could choke off AI development, handing geopolitical advantages to nations with fewer regulatory hurdles. The real battle isn't about pausing construction, but about the future of AI governance. What happens when "we" disagree?

Feb 23, 2026·5 min read
Technology

Kenyan authorities used Israeli tech to crack activist’s phone, report claims

The report focuses on a single activist, but the implications extend far beyond Kenya. Israeli surveillance tech abroad risks chilling dissent and influencing elections, as in this case a pro-democracy activist plans to run for president in 2027. The incident also strains relations between Israel and countries receiving this technology. What vulnerabilities will this create for future political leverage?

Feb 23, 2026·5 min read
Economy

Zambians pay price amid Copperbelt mining boom

The rush for "green" tech minerals in Zambia masks a dirtier reality: land grabs and poisoned water tables. Resource extraction concessions granted today could trigger cascading health crises and long-term instability. Watch for how China's infrastructure investments in the region intersect with these environmental liabilities. The long-term costs may outweigh the short-term gains.

Feb 23, 2026·5 min read
Culture

BAFTAs apologize after guest with Tourette syndrome uses racial slur during ceremony

The BAFTAs' apology masks a deeper problem: unedited broadcast policies now clash with the rise of unfiltered online content. Expect pressure on streaming services to adopt similar real-time content moderation. This incident also exposes the legal tightrope between disability rights and hate speech laws. The fallout will reshape the liability landscape for live events. Want to know how?

Feb 23, 2026·5 min read
Culture

Alleged Affair Adds to Trial Trouble for Kouri Richins - Newser

This trial isn't just about a suspicious death; it's a window into the vulnerabilities of small-town wealth management. Richins' alleged financial improprieties could expose broader networks of questionable insurance practices. Watch for how the defense attempts to shift blame onto the deceased's business dealings. This case might rewrite the rules of engagement for estate settlements in Utah.

Feb 23, 2026·5 min read
Infrastructure

China boosts profitable renewables as Trump clings to coal

While headlines tout China's green energy surge and Trump's coal embrace, watch how Beijing leverages renewable tech dominance to dictate future trade terms. This isn't just about climate; it's about controlling the supply chains that power the 21st-century economy. Expect strategic resource grabs masked as environmental partnerships. The real battleground? Rare earth minerals essential for battery production.

Feb 23, 2026·5 min read
Technology

For the Gulf States, Investment in AI Is Partly About U.S. Protection

Gulf states' AI ambitions aren't just about tech dominance; they're a hedge against fluctuating U.S. security commitments, potentially reshaping regional power dynamics. Expect AI-driven surveillance tech to accelerate domestic consolidation, impacting human rights and potentially fueling new waves of instability. This tech dependence could also make them vulnerable to future U.S. export controls. What geopolitical alliances will solidify around this new technological leverage?

Feb 23, 2026·5 min read
Technology

Anthropic accuses Chinese AI labs of mining Claude as US debates AI chip exports

The alleged Claude theft isn't just about model weights; it's about bypassing compute limitations. If successful, Chinese firms gain access to leading AI without relying on sanctioned hardware. Watch for how this accelerates China's *application* of AI, especially in dual-use sectors, regardless of chip restrictions. Is this the end of export controls as a meaningful barrier?

Feb 23, 2026·5 min read
Economy

US software and private capital shares hit with fresh wave of selling

The tech sell-off isn't just about algorithms replacing coders. Expect geopolitical fallout as sovereign wealth funds, major players in both tech and US debt, reassess their risk exposure. This could trigger a scramble for alternative safe havens, impacting currency valuations and commodity prices. The real question: who benefits from the capital flight?

Feb 23, 2026·5 min read

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