Author: Dibakar De
Source : Chinadaily
Nationalism today interacts in complex ways with advanced information and communication systems, frequently resulting in unexpected outcomes. Such digital nationalism has become a central feature of political discourse and decision-making in China, at times powerfully shaping the state's policy efforts. The role of advanced information and communication technologies in such processes is of relevance here. How do interactions in complex sociotechnical systems give rise to nationalism?
For digital nationalism to flourish in any country, there are certain criteria that should essentially be met: 1) endorsing overall state-driven nationalistic sentiments 2) the existence of business endeavours which monetise nationalistic sentiments 3) netizens who exploit these sentiments by engaging their audience in provocative communication patterns 4) the development of AI technology that curates information and content, and promotes activities based upon the behaviour of netizens. As per observations thus far, the PRC has met all four of these criteria with tremendous force, and even the Chinese internet system has therefore become an intriguing object of study, covering aspects of technology-society relations and their potential manipulation or alteration to fit into the country’s national power ambitions.
Full article at : https://www.9dashline.com/article/techno-nationalism-a-key-driver-behind-chinas-geostrategic-ambitions
*Dibakar De is a doctoral candidate in AIIS, Amity University, Noida.
