Political polarization and the risk to digital sovereignty: technological platforms, disinformation and geopolitical disputes in the 21st century.

Authors

  • Paulo de Tarso Pereira Machado Author
  • Lidiane Michelle Neves Filgueiras Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69849/2crbph58

Keywords:

Geopolitics, Digital sovereignty, Political polarization, Disinformation, Digital platforms

Abstract

This work analyzes the relationship between growing political polarization and the risks to the digital sovereignty of nation-states within the context of contemporary geopolitics. It argues that the concentration of informational power in major technological platforms, combined with the strategic use of disinformation and hybrid warfare, weakens the decision-making autonomy of countries and intensifies internal divisions. The study employs a literature review, document analysis, and case studies (such as recent elections and informational conflicts) to demonstrate how state and corporate actors influence public opinion and digital governance. It concludes that digital sovereignty has become a central element of national security and democratic stability.

References

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CASTELLS, Manuel. Ruptura: a crise da democracia liberal. Rio de Janeiro: Zahar, 2018.

MOROZOV, Evgeny. A ilusão da internet: como a rede pode reforçar regimes autoritários. Rio de Janeiro: Zahar, 2018.

NYE JR., Joseph S. O futuro do poder. São Paulo: Benvirá, 2012.

ZUBOFF, Shoshana. A era do capitalismo de vigilância. Rio de Janeiro: Intrínseca, 2020.

HARARI, Yuval Noah. 21 lições para o século 21. São Paulo: Companhia das Letras, 2018.

Published

2026-03-24

How to Cite

Machado, P. de T. P. ., & Filgueiras, L. M. N. . (2026). Political polarization and the risk to digital sovereignty: technological platforms, disinformation and geopolitical disputes in the 21st century. Revista Ft, 30(156), 01-10. https://doi.org/10.69849/2crbph58