XV Middle East Conference “Continuity and Innovation: The Middle East against the Background of a Broken World Order”
February 10, 2026, Moscow hosted the XV Middle East Conference "Continuity and Innovation: The Middle East against the Backdrop of a Shattered World Order," organized by the Valdai International Discussion Club in collaboration with the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
As part of the XV Middle East Conference “Continuity and Innovation: The Middle East against the Background of a Broken World Order,” organized by the Valdai Discussion Club together with the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Session VI “Digital Era: What does information sovereignty mean and how to achieve it?” was held.
Evgeny Diskin, Leading Research Fellow at the International Laboratory for Digital Transformation in Public Administration, HSE University, PhD in Law, delivered a report entitled: “Information Sovereignty and Technological Challenges in the Digital Era.”
The report analyzed the conceptual complexity of modern sovereignty amid a lack of terminological unity. E. Diskin supported the concept of “multiplicity of sovereignties,” noting the need to distinguish between information sovereignty, which focuses on meanings and content, and digital sovereignty, aimed at controlling the technological environment and data delivery means.
Particular attention was paid to the role of artificial intelligence (AI) as a key moderation mechanism on global platforms. It was emphasized that the automation of control poses challenges for regulators in ensuring cognitive security. The speaker also pointed to the erosion of traditional control methods due to the development of satellite internet technologies (Starlink), which requires a shift from prohibitive measures to active competition for global narratives and communication channels.
In the context of international cooperation, E. Diskin outlined the role of BRICS in creating a counterweight to the digital dominance of Western platforms through the development of sovereign computing power and the strengthening of mutual trust.
The report's theses were complemented by contributions from other participants. Arvind Gupta (Digital India) described the current situation as a “bipolar race” between the US and China. Grigory Zershchikov highlighted the issue of “data abundance” and the protection of analysts from AI manipulations. Kayhan Barzigar (Islamic Azad University) emphasized the need for technological alliances among the “Global Majority” to counter Western dominance. Ultimately, experts noted the importance of balancing technological openness with the protection of national narratives.