Finland dominates the global icebreaker market not through scale, but through deep specialization. The industry is a tight-knit ecosystem of specialized firms focused on made-to-order vessels. This approach creates a defensible moat against the large, mass-production shipyards of East Asia, which are not structured for such highly customized projects.
Finland, historically a non-aligned nation that built icebreakers for Russia, is now a NATO member supplying critical naval assets to the US. This deal addresses America's aging fleet and directly counters the growing Arctic presence of Russia and China. It marks a significant pivot in geopolitical supply chains for a strategically vital region.
Beyond financial returns and 'game washing,' Saudi Arabia's push into the gaming industry is a long-term soft power strategy. The goal is to create games based on the region's myths and legends, similar to how China successfully exported its culture through games like 'Black Myth Wukong,' thereby shaping its global image.
The NBA's return to China after a six-year ban is less a sign of improving US-China relations and more a demonstration of China's market power. The move signals that for American businesses to access China's massive consumer base, they must operate within the country's strict political boundaries and avoid topics deemed sensitive by the government.