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Digital Technologies for All? Postcolonial Insights on the Global Digital Compact

Johansson, Sara LU (2025) STVK04 20242
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This thesis critically examines the Global Digital Compact (GDC), a United Nations initiative addressing global digital disparities and fostering equitable digital governance. Using postcolonial theory and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), it explores the GDC’s language, power dynamics, and stakeholder representation. The study reveals that the GDC mirrors colonial dependency patterns, with the Global North as drivers of governance and the Global South as passive recipients. This reinforces inequalities and limits the South's agency in shaping global policies. Aspirational language on inclusivity and equity is undermined by non-binding commitments, diluting the accountability. AI governance within the GDC highlights risks of "digital... (More)
This thesis critically examines the Global Digital Compact (GDC), a United Nations initiative addressing global digital disparities and fostering equitable digital governance. Using postcolonial theory and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), it explores the GDC’s language, power dynamics, and stakeholder representation. The study reveals that the GDC mirrors colonial dependency patterns, with the Global North as drivers of governance and the Global South as passive recipients. This reinforces inequalities and limits the South's agency in shaping global policies. Aspirational language on inclusivity and equity is undermined by non-binding commitments, diluting the accountability. AI governance within the GDC highlights risks of "digital colonialism" as Northern-led frameworks marginalize the Global South. The thesis concludes that equitable governance requires mechanisms for resource redistribution, participatory decision-making, and diverse knowledge integration. By addressing these gaps, the GDC could become an inclusive, transformative framework, dismantling colonial legacies and ensuring an equitable digital future. Further research is needed to evaluate its implementation. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Johansson, Sara LU
supervisor
organization
course
STVK04 20242
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Digital Governance, Postcolonialism, Global North and South, Power Dynamics
language
English
id
9179456
date added to LUP
2025-03-04 12:55:48
date last changed
2025-03-04 12:55:48
@misc{9179456,
  abstract     = {{This thesis critically examines the Global Digital Compact (GDC), a United Nations initiative addressing global digital disparities and fostering equitable digital governance. Using postcolonial theory and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), it explores the GDC’s language, power dynamics, and stakeholder representation. The study reveals that the GDC mirrors colonial dependency patterns, with the Global North as drivers of governance and the Global South as passive recipients. This reinforces inequalities and limits the South's agency in shaping global policies. Aspirational language on inclusivity and equity is undermined by non-binding commitments, diluting the accountability. AI governance within the GDC highlights risks of "digital colonialism" as Northern-led frameworks marginalize the Global South. The thesis concludes that equitable governance requires mechanisms for resource redistribution, participatory decision-making, and diverse knowledge integration. By addressing these gaps, the GDC could become an inclusive, transformative framework, dismantling colonial legacies and ensuring an equitable digital future. Further research is needed to evaluate its implementation.}},
  author       = {{Johansson, Sara}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Digital Technologies for All? Postcolonial Insights on the Global Digital Compact}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}