THE SUBSEA CHOKEHOLD: The Invisible Cables That Control the Global Internet
THE SUBSEA CHOKEHOLD: The Invisible Cables That Control the Global Internet EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: 1. The Physical Backbone of the Internet: While we associate the internet with satellites and Wi-Fi, nearly 99% of international data traffic is carried by undersea fiber-optic cables. These cables, often no thicker than a garden hose, form the nervous system of the global economy. 2. The Geopolitical Vulnerability: These cables are highly vulnerable to sabotage, espionage, and accidental damage (like anchors or earthquakes). Recent incidents in the Baltic Sea and Red Sea have highlighted how a few cut cables can disrupt global communications and financial markets. 3. The Repair Monopoly: The world relies on a tiny fleet of specialized cable repair ships. If a major conflict breaks out, these ships could become military targets or be unable to access damaged areas, leaving the world offline for months. --- HOOK Look up at the sky. You might see a Starlink satellite or an airplane. But the rea...