Competition from the East: The Digital Revolution and How It Affects SDG-Attainment

The digital revolution is rapidly changing the world, with the US and China competing for technological dominance. This chapter investigates the rivalry between the East and the West in the digital revolution, particularly focusing on technological supremacy in areas like AI, digital payment systems, semiconductors and 5G networks, leading to both innovation and fragmentation. It examines the rise of digital giants in the East, such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea, and their strategies to challenge Western dominance. They are expanding globally and promoting alternative models of digital governance. Despite the intensifying competition, it also highlights the paradoxical interdependence between especially the US and China, which is affecting global geopolitical alignments. The chapter further explores how the digital revolution, driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), impacts the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), presenting both opportunities and challenges. One key finding is that while digital technologies can accelerate progress toward the SDGs through enhanced connectivity, financial inclusion, and smart solutions, they also pose risks such as the digital divide, environmental impact, and ethical concerns. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for a techno-ethical framework and inclusive digital transformation to ensure equitable and sustainable development.