The Invisible Ballot: How Russia Targets Democracy Without Touching The Voting Box

Modern elections are no longer contested only through political rallies, televised debates and traditional campaign advertising. They are also fought across social networks, search engines, messaging platforms and seemingly independent news websites. In this digital arena, Russia has developed a sophisticated system designed not necessarily to replace ballots, but to influence the environment in which citizens make their choices.

During the 2024 US presidential election campaign, American intelligence and security agencies attributed several fabricated election-related videos to Russian influence actors. These included false stories about illegal voting and alleged ballot destruction. According to the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the purpose of such material was to undermine confidence in the electoral process and intensify divisions within American society.

The Architects of the Artificial Intelligence Era: The People Shaping the Global AI Market

Who controls the technologies, infrastructure and strategic decisions that are defining the future of the global economy?

WORLD NEWS | GLOBAL ECONOMY | 20 OCTOBER 2026

Author - Andrew Azarov. Professor of Business, Economics, and the Applied Use of Artificial Intelligence. International Business Academy Consortium (United Kingdom).

The Architects of AI: 21 Leaders Shaping the Global Artificial Intelligence Market in 2026

Artificial intelligence is no longer simply another branch of information technology. It is gradually becoming part of the fundamental infrastructure of the modern economy, much as electricity, the internet and mobile communications transformed previous technological eras.

Yet behind the sophisticated models, enormous data centres, multibillion-dollar investments and increasingly familiar AI products stand individuals whose decisions influence the direction of an entire industry.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the intelligence of machines or software, as opposed to the intelligence of human beings or animals. It is a field of study in computer science that develops and studies intelligent machines.

The chief executives of the world's largest technology corporations and specialist AI companies determine which models are developed, how computing infrastructure is expanded, whether technologies remain proprietary or become more accessible, how artificial intelligence enters business operations, and which principles may eventually govern the relationship between humans and increasingly capable machines.

Understanding the contemporary AI market therefore requires an understanding of the people who are shaping it.

 

100%NEWS presents a comprehensive overview of the most influential executives and strategic figures in the global artificial intelligence industry, as of 20 October 2026.

This is neither a wealth ranking nor a popularity contest.

The individuals featured represent companies operating across the essential layers of the emerging AI economy: foundation models, computing infrastructure, semiconductors, cloud platforms, enterprise software and global consumer ecosystems.

Together, they illustrate how artificial intelligence is becoming a new organising force in international business, technological competition and economic development.

France: between 550,000 and 800,000 people reportedly participated in approximately 110 demonstrations

Since late September, pupils have blockaded schools and marched through French cities to protest against teacher shortages, overcrowded classes, deteriorating buildings and the pressures created by the Parcoursup university admissions system. Their movement has gradually attracted teachers, trade unions, university students and members of the Yellow Vest movement. On 17 October, between 550,000 and 800,000 people reportedly participated in approximately 110 demonstrations across France.

RUSSIA’S DATA-CENTRE WAR: DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE, BOT NETWORKS AND FOREIGN ELECTIONS

Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian data centres have opened a new front in modern warfare. Instead of targeting only oil refineries, ammunition depots and military factories, Ukraine has begun striking infrastructure that supports Russia’s cloud computing, artificial intelligence, banking systems, communications and digital economy.

The attacks have produced genuine disruption. However, the widely circulated claim that they eliminated 60%—or even 90%—of Russian bot activity requires careful examination. Available evidence shows that Russia conducts extensive foreign influence operations, but it does not yet prove that the damaged data centres controlled most Russian political bots or enabled Moscow to “manage” foreign elections directly.

Azerbaijan Invests in the Next Generation: MINIBOSS BUSINESS SCHOOL has launched a 2nd branch in Baku

Azerbaijan is steadily strengthening its position as a country committed to economic modernisation, human capital development, innovation and private enterprise. One of the most promising areas of this transformation is the development of entrepreneurial competencies from an early age.

The opening of the second MINIBOSS BUSINESS SCHOOL branch in Baku in 2026 provides a compelling example of how educational technologies developed in the United Kingdom are becoming part of Azerbaijan’s evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem, creating new opportunities to prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators.

No New Yalta: no lawful peace for Ukraine without Ukraine

US President Donald Trump has made one of his most controversial statements about the war in Ukraine, declaring: “I think it is time for somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine.” His words were directed against President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom Trump accused of failing to reach an agreement with Russia earlier. Yet the statement raises a question far greater than the political future of one Ukrainian leader: who has the right to speak for an independent country fighting against foreign aggression?

Ukraine marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bohdan Hawrylyshyn—an outstanding public figure

“Ukraine has always existed for me, even if only in my thoughts. Wherever I was and whatever I was doing, I always thought about what useful contribution I could make to Ukraine.”

On 19 October 2026, Ukraine marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bohdan Hawrylyshyn—an outstanding Ukrainian economist, visionary, philanthropist and public figure whose intellectual and civic legacy reached far beyond national borders. He is recognised as a co-founder of the World Economic Forum in Davos, was the first Ukrainian member of the Club of Rome and advised governments, international companies and political leaders throughout the world.

Chinese Cars of 2026: How China Is Rewriting the Rules of the Global Automotive Market

China's automotive industry has moved far beyond the era of inexpensive alternatives to Western and Japanese cars.

BYD is challenging conventional charging times, Chery is winning customers across Europe, Geely is developing a new generation of premium vehicles, and Chinese manufacturers are exporting cars at an unprecedented pace. Yet behind this global expansion lies a difficult domestic market, falling sales and growing pressure on manufacturers to survive. 

We examine what is driving China's automotive transformation, what its technologies actually deliver, and what the rise of Chinese cars means for consumers and the global industry.

GLOBAL TECH STOCKS PLUNGE AS AI INVESTMENT FEARS GROW

WORLD NEWS | GLOBAL ECONOMY | 17 OCTOBER 2026

Global financial markets face a sharp technology sell-off as rising inflation, higher interest rates and growing concerns over the sustainability of artificial intelligence investments trigger major declines across Asian stock exchanges, putting pressure on semiconductor giants and raising questions about the future of the global AI boom.

LONDON / TOKYO / SEOUL / NEW YORK. Global technology stocks have experienced a dramatic sell-off as investors increasingly question whether the extraordinary investment boom in artificial intelligence can sustain its momentum amid rising borrowing costs, inflationary pressures and growing uncertainty over future profitability.

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION: 2026 MOC has been signed between WESIO/UK and ONEU/Ukraine

A Memorandum of Cooperation focused on introducing educational innovation has been signed between the World Education, Science and Innovation Organisation (WESIO), United Kingdom, represented by its CEO, Dr Olga Azarova, and Odesa National Economic University (ONEU), Ukraine, represented by its Rector, Dr Anatolii Kovalov.

This strategic partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter in the international development of higher education. It creates a framework for introducing innovative educational licences, cutting-edge academic programmes, modern teaching methodologies and internationally oriented learning opportunities at ONEU.

SAUDI ARABIA: MISSILE THREATS

RIYADH / BRUSSELS — 16 October 2026. Saudi Arabia is facing a rapidly deteriorating security situation following a series of missile and drone attacks that have heightened regional tensions, disrupted international transportation, and raised concerns about the stability of the Middle East. The latest incidents include the interception of a cruise missile over the Medina region, one of Islam's most sacred areas, and the destruction of an unmanned aerial vehicle over the Kingdom's oil-rich Eastern Province.

The escalating crisis has already produced significant international consequences, including the postponement of a high-level summit between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), originally scheduled for 24 October in Riyadh. The developments demonstrate how regional military confrontation is increasingly affecting international diplomacy, global commerce, and energy security.