Digital Empires: The Global Battle to Regulate Technology

Just read another amazing book from Anu Bradford after her eye-opening and far-sighted first book, The Brussels Effect - her insights there are certainly starting to play out. She has now gifted the world another treasure in this book, Digital Empires, drawing the next global demarcation lines in the increasingly polarising geopolitical environment.As the world comes to grips with potential impacts and opportunities around AI, Anu gives us again the needed intellectual stimulus to think this through for both competitive advantage and cooperation. Not only a must-read but more importantly, a must-act.Of the many readings done over the holidays, this one truly stood out.

Have to say, what a timely and essential book on the global battle to regulate technologyIn her new book, Digital Empires, Anu Bradford explores the global battle to regulate technology, especially in light of the rapid development of AI and the global technological race. And as in her previous book "The Brussels Effect", all the arguments are backed with hard data.Bradford argues that the United States, China, and the European Union are engaged in a three-way struggle to impose their regulatory models and set the norms that will govern the global digital order. The outcome of this struggle will have profound implications for the future of the global economy, society, and geopolitics.In my view, Bradford's book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the forces that are shaping the future of technology. She provides a clear and concise overview of the key regulatory issues at stake, and she analyzes the different approaches that the US, China, and the EU are taking. I am sure that there will be a strong follow-up on this book in international media, FT etc.Bradford's book is particularly timely given the recent developments in AI. In recent months, we have seen a number of breakthroughs in AI, including the development of large language models like me, Bard. These breakthroughs have the potential to revolutionise many industries and aspects of our lives. However, they also raise important ethical and regulatory challenges.The book provides a valuable roadmap for how we can develop effective regulatory frameworks for AI. She argues that we need to focus on developing regulations that are flexible and adaptable and that can keep pace with the rapid development of AI technology.Bradford also argues that we need to work together to develop global norms for regulating AI. This is essential because AI is a global technology, and its effects will be felt by people all over the world.Digital Empires is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the global battle to regulate technology and the role of AI in this battle. an essential book that will help us to shape the future of technology for the better. Especially looking at the 3 different approaches to global technological development I find particularly interesting especially taking into account recent economic and political developments.

This book exceeded my expectations. It is grounded in extensive academic research and yet very approachable. The content and its key messages are indispensable for all policy-makers and business leaders.While the examination of the three approaches to regulating digital economies (US, Europe, and China) is illuminating, there is yet another crucial dimension: the battle between governments and tech companies. This perspective prompts a multitude of considerations, encompassing innovation, skills development, access and ability to thrive in the European single market, as well as the future of our democracy. All these are highly important for instance in my field of expertise; Health IT.I enjoyed reading this book deeply. It was composed in a clear and comprehensible manner, despite the complexity of the subject matter. Also, please read the acknowledgements! High recommendation!

Must-read for anyone wanting to make sense of the increasingly digital world that rapidly becoming everything. Digital Empires provides a compelling analytical framework that helps make sense of this digital world in the making, including the different regulatory models that are emerging around the world, the dynamics underlying the intensifying tech war, and the difficulties tech companies face in navigating the global marketplace characterized by different regulatory frameworks. Very timely, thoroughly researched, and easy-to-read -- highly recommended!

I’ve been curious about the complexity of the international digital economy for some time and the challenges that different regulatory frameworks create for companies, especially as we seem to be moving into a world that is less globalized and more protectionist. I found Digital Empires to be an exceptional overview of different regulatory frameworks and their implications, and thought provoking insofar as what winners of the future may look like. I also enjoyed the digestibility and accessibility this book - a less-skilled author may have turned it into a frighteningly academic monologue.

Digital Empires provides clear and nuanced ideas on the forces that shape the global digital economy. This book has an ambitious scope, covering digital governance in the US, China, and the EU while delving deep into a number of different digital policies (data privacy, antitrust, content moderation, artificial intelligence and more). On one of the hardest issues facing regulators, this book provides citizens a nuanced view of how technology shapes our lives and societies, as well as practical advice to policymakers on how technology can and should be governed. A great read!