Digital Sovereignty and Its Relationship to National Sovereignty and the Security and Stability of Societies
Abstract
Sovereignty has long been one of the most influential and enduring concepts in political thought. Throughout history, it has justified wars, mobilized armies, and inspired popular revolutions, remaining inseparably linked to the notion of independence for centuries. In the contemporary era, however, threats to sovereignty no longer stem exclusively from conventional military power or physical coercion. Instead, they increasingly originate from digital technologies, software systems, and cyber tools that operate through codes, algorithms, and covert communication channels. As a result, states, economies, and societies have become increasingly vulnerable to digital threats, giving rise to what may be described as a new dimension of sovereignty—digital sovereignty.
This study seeks to examine the concept of digital sovereignty, its foundations, and its relationship to national sovereignty in both its political and economic dimensions, as well as its implications for the security and stability of societies. It also explores the position of Arab states within this evolving landscape amid the growing scale and complexity of cyber threats. To this end, the study traces the historical development of the concept of national sovereignty and analyzes the key factors that have contributed to its transformation in the digital age. It further clarifies the concept of digital sovereignty, highlighting its significance, justifications, domains, and levels.The study concludes that achieving digital sovereignty requires states to develop comprehensive capabilities across multiple domains, including digital infrastructure, legal and regulatory frameworks, human capital, technological innovation, and international cooperation. Moreover, digital sovereignty should not be understood as a static or final objective, but rather as a dynamic and continuous process that necessitates constant adaptation to the rapid and multifaceted transformations of the digital environment.
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