This article examines the evolving landscape of digital geopolitics, with a focus on the intensifying technological rivalry between the United States and China. It discusses how digital transformation is reshaping global power structures, influenced by and contributing to the bifurcation of the world through strategic initiatives and differing digital ecosystems. The article distinguishes digital geopolitics from conventional geopolitics and techno-nationalism on several fronts: the shift from hard power centred on territorial control to digital dominance; the transcendence of geographical boundaries that have conventionally defined geopolitical conflicts; the evolution from traditional political alliances to strategic technological partnerships; and the competition over setting international standards. Additionally, it addresses how corporate power plays a pivotal role in this new era, contributing to the shaping of the digital geopolitical landscape. Through case studies of Huawei and TikTok, this article demonstrates the influence of digital geopolitics on international business (and vice versa) as well as the intensified bifurcation of the digital ecosystems. The article concludes by arguing that digital geopolitics serves as both the by-product of and contributor to the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world in which China is encountering a new global order.
Policy Implications
- Technological bifurcation, which has led to significant increase of costs of doing business and global communication, has had a damaging effect on globalisation and free trade which, despite of their shortfalls, have benefitted a great majority of the countries, especially in the Global South.
- To avoid further bifurcation and confrontation, major powers should involve international organisations in digital governance to enhance trust and cooperation by providing neutral platforms for constructive dialogue and conflict resolution, creating a truly interconnected global digital ecosystem including shared international standards.
- The Global South should leverage digital transformation to enhance their respective cooperation with the United States and China, creating valuable platforms for both nations to collaborate and drive economic development. In the context of digital geopolitics, China and the Global South should enhance their mutual understanding and strategic alignment by fostering closer collaboration in education, knowledge exchange and technological innovation.
- Transnational corporations, especially those in the business of digital technology, need to pay greater attention to digital geopolitics and its significant impact on their operations. More importantly, they should work closely with different stakeholders including policy makers in navigating the uncertain trajectories with a view to ensure global technological and economic developments will benefit the world at large.
Photo by Magda Ehlers