Eroded sovereignty or algorithmic nation? Transnational diffusion of blockchain in governance
by Xiaoyu Lu; Hao Wu; Beini Liu
International Journal of Electronic Governance (IJEG), Vol. 13, No. 4, 2021

Abstract: This paper explores the relationship between transnational non-state actors and sovereignty through the adoption of blockchain technology in governance. Governments have introduced a growing number of blockchain applications to reform state functions and authority mechanisms. Initial expectations for blockchain were to act as a disruptive and transformative force to decentralise state authority; however, this is only part of the real picture. The decentralising tendencies of blockchain technology appear in political spaces where state sovereignty is weakened or absent, particularly among displaced and stateless communities. Conversely, strong states use blockchain technology to upgrade their existing digital infrastructure to empower and reinforce state power. Thus, the diffusion of blockchain in governance leads to the birth of two opposite phenomena: 'eroded sovereignty' and 'algorithmic nation'. This paper presents the data-based illustration of the two-directional diffusion and analyse the motives, pathways and impacts of emerging technologies on the sovereignty-dominated and territory-based international order.

Online publication date: Tue, 01-Mar-2022

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Electronic Governance (IJEG):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com