The US digital hegemony: characteristics, objectives and implications

The article analyses the characteristics, goals and consequences of the US digital hegemony. The article argues that this hegemony has allowed the United States to maintain global leadership in innovation and to use its dominant position in cyberspace to unilaterally influence other countries. As a result of US digital hegemony, the rules of global data governance have become fragmented and issues such as cybersecurity, cross-border data flows and digital sovereignty have attracted widespread international attention. The "game" between the US and China around digital governance issues has escalated and is reflected in geopolitical and economic dimensions, influencing the shaping of global digital governance. The article argues that it is necessary to promote a more democratic and inclusive global digital order, mitigate the effects of unilateral rulemaking by the US and other countries, and promote the balanced development of the global digital economy. 

1. Ilyin I. V., Liu Wenge, Yudina T. N., Zhang Chi. Features of the development of the digital economy of Russia and China: Russian-Chinese cooperation in the context of the global digital economy. Journal Bulletin of Moscow University. Series 27: "Global Studies and Geopolitics". 2023;(4):5–22. (In Russ.)

2. Gao H. Digital or trade? The contrasting approaches of China and US to digital trade. Journal of International Economic Law. 2018;21(2):297–321. (In Russ.)

3. Zhongmei Wang, “Global system for managing cross-border data flows: disagreements and compromises”. International Economic and Trade Studies. 2021;(4):98–112. (in Chinese)

4. Madhavan A. The‘Digital Silk Road’as part of China’s Belt and Road initiative: an analysis of the EU GDPR in light of its effectiveness in personal data protection. Monography. University of Oslo, Faculty of Law, Master Thesis, 2021.