The Geopolitics of Technology: AI, Data Sovereignty, and Public Policy

The School of Geopolitics and Public Policy, Faculty of Liberal Studies, REVA University extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Alvite Ningthoujam (Ph.D), Deputy Director, Symbiosis School of International Studies, for delivering an insightful session on "Geopolitics of Emerging Technologies" as part of the Faculty Development Programme titled The Geopolitics of Technology: AI, Data Sovereignty, and Public Policy, organized by the School of Geopolitics and Public Policy (SGPP) – Centre of Excellence for Geopolitics and International Studies.

The engaging discussion explored critical themes such as technological interdependence, AI as a strategic asset, techno-nationalism, semiconductor self-reliance, data colonialism, digital public infrastructure, and the growing influence of private technology enterprises in shaping state power. Dr. Ningthoujam also highlighted the profound connection between technology and diverse liberal studies disciplines including psychology, media, economics, political science, sociology, and international relations, emphasizing the interdisciplinary impact of emerging technologies.

A key takeaway emphasized that technological sovereignty transcends domestic innovation; it fundamentally concerns preserving the autonomy to make independent strategic decisions within an interconnected global landscape.

The School of Geopolitics and Public Policy (SGPP), Faculty of Liberal Studies, REVA University, extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Samuel Jacob Kuruvilla, Associate Professor, School of Liberal Studies, MIT World Peace University, Pune, for delivering an insightful session on “Artificial Intelligence and Global Power” as part of the Faculty Development Programme (FDP) titled The Geopolitics of Technology: AI, Data Sovereignty, and Public Policy, organised by the School of Geopolitics and Public Policy (SGPP) – Centre of Excellence for Geopolitics and International Studies.

The engaging discussion examined the growing significance of Tech, AI and Public Policy in shaping the contemporary global order. Dr. Kuruvilla highlighted the intensifying global race for technological supremacy, the emergence of a technology-driven superpower duopoly, and the strategic competition surrounding artificial intelligence. He also explored the geopolitical implications of AI safety, the growing intersection of technology and national security, and the potential for an AI arms race and the resulting security dilemma, wherein efforts by states to strengthen their technological capabilities may generate strategic uncertainty and intensify competition among rival powers.

A key takeaway from the session was that artificial intelligence is no longer merely a technological innovation but an instrument of geopolitical influence, strategic competition, and global power projection. As states compete to shape the future of AI, the challenge lies in balancing technological advancement and national security with responsible innovation, international cooperation, and effective global governance.

The School of Geopolitics and Public Policy (SGPP), Faculty of Liberal Studies, REVA University, extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Anurag Tripathi, Department of South and Central Asia, Central University of Punjab, for delivering an insightful session on “Data Sovereignty, Digital Governance and Cybersecurity” as part of the Faculty Development Programme (FDP) titled “The Geopolitics of Technology: AI, Data Sovereignty, and Public Policy,” organised by the School of Geopolitics and Public Policy (SGPP) – Centre of Excellence for Geopolitics and International Studies.

The engaging session explored the growing significance of data sovereignty, digital governance, and cybersecurity in shaping contemporary geopolitical dynamics and public policy frameworks.

Dr. Tripathi highlighted the importance of legal autonomy and the capacity of states to exercise control over their digital ecosystems, data infrastructures, and technological resources. He examined the role of institutions, policies, laws, and regulatory practices in shaping digital sovereignty, while emphasizing the need for effective governance structures to regulate digital frameworks. The discussion also underscored the relationship between national interests, cybersecurity imperatives, regulatory authority, and the governance of emerging digital technologies.

A key takeaway from the session was that data sovereignty extends beyond the ownership and storage of data to encompass legal authority, institutional capacity, regulatory control, and the governance of digital infrastructures. As digital technologies become increasingly central to national security, economic development, and international relations, establishing robust governance frameworks remains essential to balancing digital autonomy, cybersecurity, accountability, and international cooperation.

The School of Geopolitics and Public Policy (SGPP), Faculty of Liberal Studies, REVA University, extends its sincere gratitude to Prof. Dr. Virginia Soledad Busilli, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Argentina, for delivering an insightful session on "India in the Global Tech Order" as part of the Faculty Development Programme (FDP) titled "The Geopolitics of Technology: AI, Data Sovereignty, and Public Policy", organised by the School of Geopolitics and Public Policy (SGPP) – Centre of Excellence for Geopolitics and International Studies.

The session offered a valuable perspective on India’s evolving position in the global technology order, examining the intensifying strategic competition between the United States and China and its implications for India’s technological ambitions, digital sovereignty, and international influence. Prof. Dr. Busilli highlighted how artificial intelligence is increasingly emerging not merely as a technological innovation, but as an instrument of geopolitical power, strategic influence, and global competition.

The discussion explored India’s growing significance in the global digital ecosystem, including the scale of data generated within the country, its expanding digital public infrastructure, and initiatives such as DigiLocker. She also examined the importance of developing domestic AI capabilities and regulatory frameworks that remain responsive to evolving international developments. The session underscored how AI guidelines, data governance frameworks, and technology regulations are increasingly shaping countries’ foreign policy priorities and their approaches to international cooperation and strategic autonomy.

Drawing attention to the expanding technological reach of China, Prof. Dr. Busilli highlighted the geopolitical significance of its growing presence across regions and sectors, particularly where competing powers have a more limited footprint. The discussion also considered the evolving global regulatory landscape, including the European Union’s approach to AI regulation, and the challenges India faces in balancing domestic policy priorities with international standards, technological innovation, and national interests.

A key takeaway from the session was that India’s role in the global technology order will depend not only on its capacity to develop and adopt AI, but also on its ability to shape the rules, institutions, and strategic partnerships governing emerging technologies. As technological competition increasingly influences international relations, India’s challenge lies in strengthening its digital capabilities and regulatory institutions while safeguarding its strategic autonomy and contributing to a more inclusive and responsible global technology ecosystem.

SGPP expresses its sincere appreciation to Prof. Dr. Virginia Soledad Busilli for sharing her valuable insights and enriching the academic discussions on the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and public policy.