Attributes of Digital Sovereignty

A Conceptual Framework

Bibliographic Data

ID3948183
AuthorsMauro Santaniello (0000-0001-5582-622X, University of Salerno, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume31
Issue2
Pages1-22
Publication date2025-06-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGeopolitics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1465-0045 • E-ISSN: 1557-3028
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14650045.2025.2521548
OpenAlexW4411490493
LanguageEN
Citations received10
References cited58

This paper explores digital sovereignty as a pivotal element of contemporary politics. Drawing upon a constructivist perspective, it proposes a conceptual framework for studying the policy discourse on digital sovereignty. The framework is structured around five core attributes – adversariality, multiversity, latency, instrumentality, and hypocrisy – that characterise sovereignty claims in the digital sphere. These attributes serve as analytical categories to understand digital sovereignty as a discursive resource employed in political struggles over the control of digital networks. Digital sovereignty emerges as a contested concept, central to competition among nation-states, regional blocs, corporate entities, epistemic communities and social groups. The study highlights the contradictory and often fragmented nature of digital sovereignty claims, revealing how they intersect with broader geopolitical ambitions and challenges. By situating digital sovereignty within global power rivalries and historically-determined social relations, this analysis develops a critical understanding of digital sovereignty, which embraces its inherently contested and evolving nature

Conceptual framework · Economic system · Economics · Epistemology · Political science · Politics · Sovereignty · Computer Science · Cybersecurity and Cyber Warfare Studies · Law · Philosophy · Social Media and Politics

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Open DOIOpen Access