Cyber Surveillance through Digital Panopticon and its Impact on Sino-US Relations (2015-2020)
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Date
2021
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Publisher
UMT.lahore
Abstract
Unlike the conventional means of surveillance in the past, cyber surveillance has become a
great challenge due to being technologically advanced, ungoverned and holistic in scope.
Surveillance in the artificially crafted setting is also more efficient than the natural operational
domains. Therefore, technologically advanced great powers, both US and China use the digital
panopticon for cyber surveillance. US has been monitoring China’s military and economic
affairs through aerial, land and naval surveillance and its cyber intrusions into China’s
telecommunication servers, monitoring through satellites, drone surveillance and use of other
ISR capabilities create a threat perception for China. China has also been targeting US.’ critical
infrastructure through cyber surveillance. China’s hardware manipulation through technology
exports such as 5G technology, drones and telecommunication equipment poses a threat to the
defense and economy of US. The present research is two-fold; first, the research explores that
how the ongoing cyber surveillance is threatening to the defense and economy of both states
and its impact on their bilateral relations. Second, it endeavors to investigate the relevance of
the concept of digital panopticon in modern era, using Michel Foucault’s surveillance theory
as foundation. The study used qualitative content analysis and furthermore, directed approach
is used to test the theory in the context of present research. Subsequently, dross has been
performed to attain research neutrality. The use of digital panopticon by US and China against
each other does not merely serve military and economic interests but could also trigger a
cyberwarfare that has tendency to transform the existing world order.