A mundane United Nations (UN) process has become a significant political battleground for the future of internet governance.
The Commission for Science, Technology, and Development (CSTD), part of the UN Economic and Social Council, is tasked with guiding international policy on science, technology, and innovation.
Historically, the CSTD has overseen the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), a UN initiative that has shaped the intersection of the internet and development over the past two decades.
This year marks a pivotal moment as the entire WSIS architecture is under review, with the CSTD meeting from April 7-11 serving as a crucial checkpoint.
Typically, CSTD sessions are subdued, with member states engaging in lengthy speeches and discussions culminating in the adoption of consensus resolutions.
However, the recent meeting diverged sharply from this norm; for the first time in its twenty-year history, the United States called for a vote instead of working toward consensus.
The proposal was rejected overwhelmingly, with the vote tallying thirty-three against one, signaling a dramatic shift in diplomatic approaches.
The United States challenged components of the resolution linking it to broader global concerns such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate change, and gender equality.
Notably, the US expressed dissent against affirming the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, arguing that linking such programs to state sovereignty was inconsistent.
In rejecting portions of the resolution that touch on issues of diversity and inclusion, the United States has not only isolated itself from many other nations but has turned its back on long-standing collaborators in the UN system.
This shift in US policy has broader implications beyond the CSTD.
By distancing itself from the SDGs, the US risks weakening its influence and leaving a vacuum that countries like China and Russia are poised to fill.
China has been assertively promoting the developmental agenda within the UN, positioning itself as a supporter of the SDGs.
The announcement of significant financial contributions from China to UN efforts underlines its intent to solidify its role as a key player in global governance.
Countries in the global majority, those often characterized by their developing status, are looking for new alliances as their long-time ally, the United States, appears to be retreating from collective international development goals.
This withdrawal is propelling some nations toward China, particularly as they perceive a diminishing commitment from the US.
The consequences of the US positioning are clear: the Western alliance is gradually losing influence, and this is manifested in the growing acceptance of alternative governance models.
The increasing number of multilateral processes and the dwindling of multistakeholder gatherings reflect this shift, leading many to worry that the actions taken today may enable the emergence of a more authoritarian approach to internet governance under Chinese and Russian influence.
The CSTD vote starkly illustrates this changing dynamic, with the United States’ traditional role as a champion for an open, inclusive internet now called into question.
Historically, the US advocated for internet governance that aligned with socio-economic development goals and emphasized collaboration among various stakeholders, including civil society and businesses.
The contrast with the current US policy, which appears more isolationist, poses serious questions about future international coalitions aimed at nurturing a democratic and open internet.
As the world navigates this uncharted territory, it confronts the critical question: which model of governance will prevail?
The decision of the United States to change its strategy at the UN could not have come at a more crucial time.
There exists considerable apprehension among nonstate actors and allied nations regarding the potential consequences of the US retreat from supporting the SDGs and championing a multistakeholder internet governance framework.
If US officials anticipate that abandoning the SDGs will incapacitate the UN or divert sustainable development away from its current trajectory, they are gravely mistaken.
China is well-prepared to step in and fill any leadership gaps created by such a disconnection.
Thus, a critical opportunity now arises for the US to build coalitions and foster collaboration across various governments.
This is essential to ensure that the framework governing the digital future is not overly influenced by authoritarian ideologies.
In sum, the current moment illustrates a significant turning point in international relations regarding internet governance.
The US must recalibrate its approach to regain its influence and advocate for a collaborative and inclusive digital future.
Failing to do so not only undermines its legacy but risks leaving the global stage open to powers that favor a closed, government-controlled model of internet governance.
image source from：https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/how-the-us-retreat-from-the-un-endangers-the-future-of-internet-governance/
