Event description
The recent conflict between Elon Musk and the Brazilian government has sparked heated debate on freedom of expression. Many commentators failed to reflect on a strategic reconfiguration of global power between governments and powerful tech companies. As these companies increasingly wield economic and social influence, rivalling that of nation-states, the implications for global diplomacy are profound.
In his new book, Kurbalija offers a critical, informed, and impartial analysis of tech diplomacy, exploring how these dynamics challenge the traditional Westphalian system based on nation-states. He delves into the interactions between tech companies and national governments, from the Bay Area to capitals worldwide, providing a comprehensive understanding of this evolving landscape.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, and participate in a thought-provoking discussion with Jovan Kurbalija.
The event will take place online on 1 October 2024, at 12:00 UTC | 14:00 CEST
In the preparation for the event you can consult…
Table of Contents | Tech Diplomacy publication
Introduction
1. What is tech diplomacy?
Definitions of tech diplomacy
Addressing terminological confusion
The etymological and contextual meaning of tech diplomacy
Conceptual framing of tech diplomacy
What are the main topics covered by tech diplomacy?
- Privacy and data protection
- Antitrust and competition
- Cybersecurity
- Cybercrime
- Content moderation and governance
- Digital taxation
- AI and digital governance
- Labour and employment
- Environment and climate
- Intellectual property
- Free flow of data and data localisation
- Encryption
- Telecommunication and spectrum allocation
- Standardisation
- Digital finance and cryptocurrencies
- Development assistance
2. Why is tech diplomacy relevant?
Geopolitics
Interdependence
Power distribution
Soft power
Power of governments
- Sovereignty
- Monopoly of physical power
- Legitimacy
Power of the tech sector
- Economic power
- Societal power
- Political power
Compare companies and countries
In the example below, Amazon’s annual revenue is comparable to the GDP of Austria, Argentina, Israel, Ireland, Norway, and Thailand.
2. Who are the tech diplomacy actors?
Governments
- Diplomatic services
- Economic ministries
- Law-enforcement agencies
- Education and culture ministries
- Defense and security ministries
Tech companies
- Public policy and government affairs
- Legal and regulatory affairs
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability
- Communications and public relations
- Security and privacy
- Executives and policy teams
Other actors
- International organisations
- Academia and think tanks
- Civil society
3. How is tech diplomacy performed?
Mapping interplays between governmental ministries and corporate departments
What are the main instruments and interaction methods between governments and tech companies?
- Lobbying and diplomacy
- Public policy and advocacy
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives
- Public-private partnerships
- Research and development projects
- International negotiations and forums
- Consultations and advisory activities
4. Where are the main tech diplomacy hubs?
Map of tech companies’ presence worldwide
United States
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Seattle
- Washington, DC
- Boston
- New York
China
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Shenzhen
India
- New Delhi
- Bangalore
European Union
- Brussels
- Paris
- Berlin
United Kingdom
- London
- Oxford
Switzerland
- Geneva
- Zurich
Singapore
Other centres and hubs
Conclusion
You may also be interested in:
