STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL PROTECTIONISM (IN THE CASE OF MIDDLE POWERS)

The idealistic vision of a borderless internet has been replaced by aggressive geopolitical disputes and a rise in digital protectionism. Through the lens of the “Weaponized Interdependence” theory, this paper explores how superpowers leverage vital digital infrastructure for strategic dominance and surveillance. This drive for digital sovereignty has fractured the global digital ecosystem via strict data localization laws, resulting in a tri-polar tech landscape dominated by the distinct regulatory and technological models of the United States, China, and the European Union. Consequently, developing nations and middle powers face a high-stakes security dilemma, prompting a strategic shift toward “hedging” rather than full integration into a single bloc. By diversifying tech dependencies and investing in sovereign Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), these nations aim to preserve their digital autonomy. A specific examination of Uzbekistan illustrates this third way of digital diplomacy, highlighting the country’s successful efforts to build alternative financial networks, aggressively localize citizen data, and develop an independent e-government cloud. Ultimately, the paper concludes that digital protectionism is the new global standard where a nation’s security is fundamentally defined by its ability to regulate its data territory.