Cyber Regimes and Contenting Narratives: Democratic Liberalism, Surveillance Capitalism, and Digital Authoritarianism

The paper aims to examine the manifestation of international cooperation and conflict in the realm of cyberspace. Also to investigate diplomatic efforts, international agreements, and geopolitical tensions related to differing approaches to cyber governance. The juxtaposition of democratic liberalism,surveillance capitalism, and digital authoritarianism,in the context of cyber regimes and contenting narratives, reflects a broader debate on the intersection of technology, politics, and societal values. States around the globe tend to identify differently traditional notions of ‘sovereignty’ and ‘interdependence’ under the spectrum of constant technological developments. These developments raise up diachronically relevant issues in international relations but this time more pressing and uncharted than ever before. What turns out to be considered normal in the EU is not in the PRC or the USA. Those different approaches pose a clash of narratives and perception of how the world functions not only on its cyber aspect but also in reality. Democratic liberalism emphasizes individual rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law. It promotes political pluralism, a representative democracy, and protection of human rights. Its supporters argue that the internet should be a tool for enhancing democratic participation, fostering free speech, and enabling the free flow of information. Rather oblivious the pitfalls of authoritarian liberalism, the narrative of democratic liberalism seeks to ensure that the digital realm upholds the same values and principles that guide liberal democracies offline. On the other hand, surveillance capitalism -as conceptualized by Shoshana Zuboff- refers to the commodification of personal data through mass surveillance for profit. Tech companies collect, analyze, and use vast amounts of user data in order to target advertisements, shape behavior, and create economic value. Critics argue that surveillance capitalism poses threats to privacy, autonomy, and democracy. The concentration of data and power in the hands of a few technology giants can lead to manipulative practices, erosion of privacy, and potentially undermine the democratic process. In addition, digital authoritarianism involves the use of digital technologies to monitor, control, and suppress populations, often in ways that enhance state power. Authoritarian regimes and selective democracies leverage cyber tools for censorship, surveillance, propaganda, and disinformation campaigns. These practices restrict freedoms and stifle dissent. In this light, a novel contribution is proposed by critically comparing the contenting narratives of democratic and authoritarian liberalism, surveillance capitalism, and digital authoritarianism through the lens of International Relations. While the perspectives of these approaches have often been analysed independently, this study evaluates their implications for global cyber governance by focusing on the interplay between sovereignty and interdependence. The comparative analysis aims to uncover potential areas of convergence or compromise, offering a framework to navigate the challenges of cyber regime formation and address global digital conflicts. Finally, it bridges theoretical gaps, providing an integrative approach that not only examines national strategies but also situates them within the evolving dynamics of global governance.