Video: Export Controls in an Era of Strategic Competition

Export controls have become a central instrument of strategic competition, particularly in the context of US–China relations, emerging technologies, and shifting approaches to security and trade. Governments and companies alike are having to adapt to a rapidly evolving export control landscape shaped by geopolitical rivalry, technological change, and growing pressure on multilateral regimes.

In this video, Dr Ian J Stewart provides an overview of how export controls are evolving in response to strategic competition and what this means for policymakers, export control authorities, and compliance professionals.

The discussion explores how export controls have moved beyond their traditional focus on preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to addressing state-level strategic challenges, particularly those linked to advanced technologies such as AI, semiconductors, and aerospace systems. It also examines the implications of these shifts for allies, multilateral export control regimes, and the private sector.

Topics covered include:

• The role of export controls in US–China strategic competition
• The changing balance between trade, security, and technological leadership
• Emerging technology controls, including AI and advanced compute
• The strain on multilateral export control regimes and the rise of unilateral measures
• What these trends mean for export compliance and enforcement going forward

This video forms part of the Export Controls State of Play series and is intended for export compliance officers, policymakers, analysts, and others working at the intersection of technology, security, and trade.

Future videos and briefings will build on this discussion with quarterly updates and deeper dives into key developments in the global export control landscape.