Challenges and viewpoints regarding the Digital Silk Road

Abstract

The Digital Silk Road (DSR) strategy is gaining traction within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as countries aim to collaborate on emerging technologies for development and trade. The increasing digital connectivity and evolving digital economies, exemplified in China and certain BRI nations, can have a beneficial impact on economic growth. However, there are complexities and risks associated with the DSR, stemming from the disparity between the stated ambitions of the Chinese government and the actual level of Chinese involvement, particularly in the digital realm of the strategy. This paper aims to examine the perspectives and challenges related to the DSR and the implications of the BRI's digital transformation. Drawing from Nethpolitik and Liberal perspectives, this paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the communication and information aspects of the initiative, which have been underappreciated or overlooked in existing literature. The study argues that the DSR will facilitate economic transitions, enhance regional integration, and provide financial support to bolster global multilateralism and political stability. However, certain risks associated with the DSR, such as political, ideological, data, and privacy concerns, cannot be disregarded