Digital sovereignty: key concepts and theories in Russian and global contexts

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the concept of digital sovereignty, summarizing current scholarly approaches, identifying key theories, and examining how these ideas manifest in global and Russian contexts. The study reveals a broad spectrum of global interpretations of this phenomenon – ranging from the libertarian ideal of a free, borderless cyberspace to state-centric models of strict control over national internet segments. It identifies four primary models of national digital policy: rights-based, market-oriented, centralized, and state-oriented. The analysis highlights that digital sovereignty is an evolving and contested construct spanning multiple levels, from global norms and state regulation to corporate and individual control of data. Special attention is paid to the Russian approach, which frames digital sovereignty as a prerequisite for national security and technological independence. The paper examines practical measures for realizing this sovereignty in Russia, such as the “sovereign internet” law, technological import substitution, and strengthening information security. The Russian perspective is contextualized within international relations theory through the notion of “digital sovereignty in a multipolar world”, which underscores the need for global norms to safeguard states’ digital autonomy. By offering a comprehensive comparative perspective on the global and Russian dimensions of digital sovereignty, the study provides a deeper understanding of this phenomenon at the intersection of technology, politics, and public law.