175th Bergedorf Round Table

The Geopolitics of Digital Transformation

online, 26-27 March 2021

During the coronavirus pandemic, various cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns have constituted a stark reminder that cyberspace has turned into a battleground for geopolitical rivalries and conflicting ideological narratives. Against the backdrop of eroding multilateral structures and the weaponization of soft power, technological leadership, especially in sectors like AI, quantum computing and 5G, has become a – if not the – decisive factor in the 21st century great power competition. While the race for technological dominance inevitably creates international tension, not only economically and politically fragile, but also weathered democracies have become more susceptible to cyber-attacks and disinformation.

The 175th Bergedorf Round Table explored the nexus between digital transformation, international power rivalries and national security. What should the EU do to strengthen its “digital sovereignty”? How does the competition for technological leadership affect the global balance of power? How should cyberspace and new technologies be regulated, and by whom?

A distinguished group of 30 high-ranking politicians, government officials, and representatives of think tanks, academia and media from Europe (both EU and non-EU), the United States and Asia discussed these questions during the 175th Bergedorf Round Table from 26-27 March 2021. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Round Table was held in the digital realm.