mayaNomics: GeoEconomics of the digitally Transformed World

In this book, the author Maya Suresh Kannan introduces a groundbreaking concept called mayaNomics, which outlines a robust Geoeconomic Framework and Principles articulated in the clearest possible terms. It assertively clarifies what geoeconomics entails and delves into the urgent reasons why nations and organizations—often operating with immense power—are grappling with geopolitical complexities due to their misapplication of geoeconomic strategies.

Geoeconomics is often dismissed as merely a subcomponent of geopolitics, yet it is rapidly becoming the essential driver of geopolitical advantage. While geopolitics revolves around the art of exercising power and dominance on the global stage, geoeconomics equips decision-makers with the critical tools to establish and maintain that hegemony. Entrepreneurs, national leaders, policymakers, and influencers need to comprehend and engage with geoeconomics proactively. The unfortunate reality is that many are failing to do so, which is a significant oversight.

Maya Suresh Kannan delivers a concise and precise explanation of geoeconomics and its indispensable role in shaping contemporary geopolitics. Geoeconomics represents the strategic application of economic instruments to secure favorable geopolitical and geostrategic outcomes, maximizing trade benefits while optimizing capital resource utilization.

To fully grasp the significance of geoeconomics, understanding the dynamics of power within geopolitical contexts is non-negotiable. According to Susan Strange, the four pillars of international power include: 1) Financial Power—leveraging finance and the creation of money to gain an edge over competing nations; 2) Production—dominating global markets through superior means of production; 3) Security—safeguarding national and regional security, often through military might; and 4) Knowledge.

Up until 2000, countries and large organizations primarily wielded the first three components to assert their dominance. However, with the advent of the information age, these powers have become replicable, compelling nations to embrace knowledge as the fourth pillar of power. In this book, I spotlight knowledge, which has emerged as a critical asset for nations aspiring to lead through innovation over the last two decades.

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence have elevated knowledge into a new realm—wisdom. This is where visionary thinkers like myself come into play, melding deep tech with geoeconomics to pioneer innovative solutions. Recent developments in technologies such as ChatGPT, alongside Google's struggles and Microsoft's natural integration of AI in its offerings, underscore the urgent need for transformation. Many of these established companies may falter in the AI landscape due to their entrenched practices, which obstruct their ability to align with the innovative models necessary for effective geoeconomic strategies.

This scenario presents a great opportunity for emerging nations and organizations to rise to the challenge of transforming the international landscape through a decisive shift from knowledge to wisdom. Over the past few centuries, a plethora of economic tools and theories have surfaced from various intellectual traditions. However, the challenge now is to forge a cohesive set of geoeconomic tools that can deliver global benefits at scale.

Economics is a continuum, and given the swift changes in the global landscape, these tools often prove effective only in specific contexts, such as particular regions or markets. Therefore, it is essential to develop global geoeconomic instruments, and mayaNomics lays the groundwork. These tools must align strategically with geopolitical objectives and aim to maximize trade benefits, ensuring that additional advantages organically follow in their wake. mayaNomics shall help global leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, family offices, and investors with such alignment.