China & Cyber Sovereignty: The Growing Gap between Political Freedom and Economic Affluence
Karl Althaus, MS, MA

Abstract
China balances its cyber interests between political goals – minimal freedom – and economic benefits – maximal freedom.This analysis contrasts China’s economic affluence with its political freedom within cyberspace. In particular, its objectives are threefold: (1) discuss China’s worldview and its cyberview, (2) examine its policies that limit the use of the internet as opposed to free access to it, and (3) analyze the political implications as it relates to China’s restrictions of internet use and its economic freedom. How has China’s economic affluence surpassed political freedom and how much will it impact its economic performance? I agree that restricting access to the free Internet harms ideas exchanges and economic development, alike.China’s notion of cyber sovereignty – absolute state control of communication – becomes a surveillance blueprint for the first digital totalitarian state.

Full Text: PDF