Practical Insights on China

A Great Open Source Race: China vs India vs the African Continent

A Great Open Source Race: China vs India vs the African Continent

Published on: Aug 19 2025 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
Bottom Line Up Front: China now leads the world with 2.2 million active open source software developers, while India’s 2+ million contributors already overtook...
Is Digital Sovereignty Good for Digital Development or Is It Damaging Digital Protectionism?

Is Digital Sovereignty Good for Digital Development or Is It Damaging Digital Protectionism?

Published on: May 20 2025 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Is Digital Sovereignty Good for Digital Development or Is It Damaging Digital Protectionism?
We often champion local ownership and sustainable solutions in digital development. But when it comes to digital sovereignty, we need to take a careful look at...
Why the Artificial Intelligence Cold War Matters for Digital Development Practitioners

Why the Artificial Intelligence Cold War Matters for Digital Development Practitioners

Published on: Feb 13 2025 by Wayan Vota - 2 Comments
The “AI Cold War” refers to a geopolitical narrative describing the technological and strategic rivalry between major powers, primarily the United States...
Could Digital Public Infrastructure be a Reason for Trump 2.0 to Fund USAID?

Could Digital Public Infrastructure be a Reason for Trump 2.0 to Fund USAID?

Published on: Jan 15 2025 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
At a recent Technology Salon on USAID under Trump 2.0, one of the participants put forth an interesting question for us to consider: Could digital public infrastructure...
Is the Global Engagement Center the First Foreign Assistance Casualty of Trump 2.0?

Is the Global Engagement Center the First Foreign Assistance Casualty of Trump 2.0?

Published on: Dec 27 2024 by Wayan Vota - 2 Comments
The recent U.S. elections altered our expectations for USAID under the Trump 2.0 administration that starts in January. However, policy changes may be impacting...
PRC Malign Influence Is Inspiring Ugandan Digital Authoritarianism

PRC Malign Influence Is Inspiring Ugandan Digital Authoritarianism

Published on: Nov 20 2024 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on PRC Malign Influence Is Inspiring Ugandan Digital Authoritarianism
Foreign Influence on Civic Space in Uganda by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) examines whether Uganda is drawing...
Does China Have an African Technology Company Strategy?

Does China Have an African Technology Company Strategy?

Published on: Oct 26 2023 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on Does China Have an African Technology Company Strategy?
Strides taken by Chinese national champions undertaking extraction and infrastructure projects in Africa are not short of the media spotlight and scholarly scrutiny. When...
Lessons Learned from China’s Crackdown on Big Tech Companies

Lessons Learned from China’s Crackdown on Big Tech Companies

Published on: Jun 15 2023 by Richard Heeks - 1 Comment
China’s digital economy can be categorised into three phases: A more open phase starting in the 20th century that encouraged foreign investment and collaboration; A...
Exploring Russia’s Pre-War Tactics Against Ukraine’s Civic Sector Actors

Exploring Russia’s Pre-War Tactics Against Ukraine’s Civic Sector Actors

Published on: May 18 2023 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on Exploring Russia’s Pre-War Tactics Against Ukraine’s Civic Sector Actors
Although Russia’s aggression has undeniably altered the civic space landscape in Ukraine for years to come, the insights from Ukraine: Measuring civic space risk,...
Is China Exporting Digital Authoritarianism to Developing Countries?

Is China Exporting Digital Authoritarianism to Developing Countries?

Published on: May 17 2023 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on Is China Exporting Digital Authoritarianism to Developing Countries?
China has been engaged in digital initiatives such as telecommunications projects in the low- and middle-income countries of the global South since at least the...