As discussions about the positive and negative potential of social media continue to shape our global community, I recently encountered a fascinating global map of influence created by Brody Smith, which he calls the Global Influence Index (GII).
You can explore the map directly here: Brody Smith’s Global Influence Index.
I was particularly impressed by the smooth execution of the GII. Great work, Brody! While you’re at it, I recommend checking out his other projects: brody.fyi/work.
Has anyone else come across the GII before?
The Global Influence Index (GII) measures the influence of both the U.S. and China in 191 countries. The GII uses 28 measures of influence across the economic, political, and security spectrums to track the U.S.-China competitive landscape.
The interactive map is available at: GII Interactive Map.
However, it’s crucial to consider the broader context of the GII. This tool is not a neutral academic instrument but rather an integral part of CESI’s mission to advance U.S. strategic interests in competition with China. The organization explicitly states its commitment to „developing policies that ensure the United States can not only compete, but win, a global competition with China.“
You can learn more about CESI on their organizational page: cesionline.org.
In an increasingly „post-factual“ world, exercising due diligence has become more critical than ever. While I fully embrace publications from Think Tanks, it’s essential to be aware of their institutional nature and inherent biases. I value diverse perspectives and wouldn’t have it any other way. However, we must ensure we’re not passively accepting information without critical evaluation, distinguishing between verifiable facts and potentially skewed narratives.