March 3

International Response (2): Values and Technologies

Against the backdrop of US-China confrontation, discussions evolved on whether or not values and technologies have an impact on this situation.

While values and technology are not always linked, it was noted in the context of US-China competition, technology is tied to a particular set of values and a liberal order, as exemplified by the free flow of data and information. The point was made that some countries welcome the Chinese model of technological development as well as surveillance technologies originating in China and that these are becoming more widespread in the Middle East and elsewhere. Concerns over China-led international rule formation and the importance of supply chains among democratic countries were emphasized, and Japan’s need to enhance its own economic security was pointed out. On the other hand, it was also asserted that a “rules-based international order” has no clear definition and that technological cooperation has transcended the differing stances of individual countries on values. The view that technology policy is primarily based on strategic interests and commercial objectives and not on values was also presented, as was the perspective that there are significant differences even within the West among countries' systems and their stances on data distribution and rule formation.

Among the other opinions expressed were: with regions and individuals perceiving values differently, the acceptance of fundamental rules such as the rule of law constitutes the basis for trust in data sharing; values are not static and can change but they are nonetheless essential for society and humanity; the world is not so clearly divided into liberal democracies and authoritarian states; and non-state actors have significant roles to play.

Regarding the situation in Ukraine, it was suggested that Russia will respond to sanctions by pursuing further technological cooperation with non-Western countries, especially China, and the world will become more divided. The need for reforms to multilateral systems was also noted.

Watch the video