Executive Summary
This paper analyzes the divergent national strategies for "digital sovereignty" among the US, EU, China, and Russia. It argues these are not just cybersecurity policies but comprehensive geopolitical projects for projecting power and values. The analysis identifies three distinct models—market-driven (US), regulatory (EU), and state-control (Sino-Russian)—which are fragmenting the internet and creating a multipolar digital world order.
Why It Matters
This document is crucial for defense and geopolitical analysts as it dissects how major powers are weaponizing digital sovereignty to project power and values, leading to a fragmented global internet with significant implications for international relations and security.
Key Takeaways
- Digital sovereignty has transformed from network security to a comprehensive geopolitical strategy for projecting power and values.
- Three distinct models of digital sovereignty exist: US market-driven, EU regulation-as-power, and Sino-Russian state-centric control.
- These competing approaches are fragmenting the internet into a "splinternet," creating regulatory blocs and contested data governance regimes.
- The pursuit of digital sovereignty is a direct response to geopolitical insecurity and the weaponization of cyberspace.
Strategic Relevance
Understanding the divergent national strategies for digital sovereignty is critical for assessing future geopolitical competition, cyber warfare dynamics, and the stability of the global digital infrastructure. It highlights how states are reasserting control over the digital domain as a primary vector for exercising power.