It all about Power when it comes to Digital Transformation, the case of Palestine.

The significance of digital transformation for nations has attained a level of paramount importance that cannot be overlooked. Analogous to a swiftly advancing train, the timing of one's arrival greatly influences the quality of the seat obtained. The initial point of embarkation becomes the decisive factor in establishing a nation's standing within the global digital value chain.

The concept of digital transformation can be analyzed from a multitude of angles, each shedding light on its implications and effects. This comprehensive examination encompasses economic development, policy formulation, business model evolution, and the crucial realm of human rights through data protection and digital sovereignty for individual and nations. By delving into these distinct dimensions, we gain a richer understanding of the profound changes brought about by digital transformation in today's rapidly evolving landscape.

Conceptualizing Power and Digitization as a methodological framework:

Oxaal and Baden (1997) conceptualize the concept of power in four forms: power over, power to, power with and power within.

Power over, is defined as the power which involves a relationship of domination and subordination. This form of power is based on control, violence and intimidation and requires active and passive forms of resistance.

Power to, relates to the power of having decision-making authority and agency. This form of solves problems and can be a transformative force of positive change, creativity and enablement.

Power with, this power involves the organization of people under a common purpose, understanding, goal to achieve a collective goal.

Power within, this power refers to self-confidence, self-assertiveness, and self-awareness. This power relates to how individuals recognize how power operates and impacts their lives and gain the confidence to change and influence their environment (Williams et al, 1994).

In the realm of digital transformation, power takes on a role as an ethical construct, influencing the development of digital technologies and their user base. "Power Over" encompasses the authority that dictates the trajectory of infrastructure development, digital platforms, data utilization, and investments within the digital domain. The consolidation of digital technology within a select few hands results in an uneven power dynamic between those with digital access and those without. This manifestation of power, referred to as "Power Over" assumes a negative connotation, as it disempowers and establishes a reliance of digital users upon providers, fostering a relationship of dominance and submission (Moore, 2016).

While digital platform providers and developers contend that the Global South stands to gain from these platforms and digital investments, a counterargument suggests a shift towards empowering rather than exerting power. This alternative perspective emphasizes granting authority to the Global South, enabling data ownership, fostering independent ICT solutions untethered to tech giants, and nurturing an approach that empowers digital technologies and infrastructure. This approach diverges from one that perpetuates dependence and the concentration of digital monopolies (Wakunuma, 2019).

Navigating Power Dynamics in Palestinian Digitization

Within the Palestinian digitization landscape, an exploration of the various facets of power sheds light on the array of opportunities, challenges and threats that Palestine grapples with as it embarks on its digital transformation journey.

Challenging Power Over: Unveiling Israel's Influence

The notion of "Power Over" takes center stage in scrutinizing Israel's control over crucial aspects of Palestinian digital advancement. Israel's colonial dominion extends over Palestinian land, digital infrastructure, airspace, and the import of technological resources. This encompasses a stifling grip on the Palestinian economy. The imposition of neoliberal aid under the guise of "peace building" has perpetuated an environment where economic gains override political rights and sovereignty in Palestine. Remarkably, this paradigm shifts blame for the underdeveloped ICT sector onto the Palestinian government, sidestepping the role of Israeli colonial power in obstructing factors vital to a sustainable digital landscape.

Examining "Power Over" also entails an investigation into Israel's manipulation and exploitation of Palestinian-generated digital data. Israel's stranglehold on digital infrastructure and Internet provisions grants it the capacity for extensive  mass surveillance over Palestinians. This unsettling dynamic not only permits mass surveillance on the Palestinian populace but also facilitates the sale of Israeli mass surveillance technology to authoritarian governments across the region and worldwide.

Moreover, influential tech giants such as PayPal, AirBnB, and Google wield their power over recognition, inhibiting Palestine from accessing essential e-payment and e-commerce services, thereby constraining the Palestinian digital sphere. The presence of "Power Over" unveils the intricate challenges impeding Palestine's digital transformation.

Seizing Opportunities Through Empowerment: Power To, With, and Within

"Power To" underscores the significance of Palestinian government and civil society advocacy in securing digital and economic rights within the digital realm. Meanwhile, "Power With" and "Power Within" spotlight the constrained policy space shaped by Israeli settler colonialism. The Palestinian government's endeavors to bridge the digital divide are can be explored within this context. Diving into the development of digital transformation and innovation strategies across various sectors of the Palestinian economy and governance, this analysis unveils a realm of potential opportunities waiting to be harnessed.

In essence, a nuanced exploration of power dynamics within Palestinian digitization uncovers a complex interplay of challenges, threats, and opportunities that define the course of its digital transformation narrative.

Advancing Toward Empowerment: Palestine's Roadmap

As previously highlighted, the Palestinian government and civil society must pursue the aforementioned objectives by leveraging International Law, International Humanitarian Law, United Nations forums (such as the Internet Telecommunication Union), and the unwavering determination of principled global actors. Simultaneously, the Palestinian leadership must capitalize on their limited policy space to cultivate a robust ecosystem of innovation, digital literacy, and effective ICT implementation across various sectors, including e-governance, agriculture, and education.

Transitioning from Domination to Empowerment: Shifting Dynamics in Palestinian Digitization

Before delving into the potential opportunities within Palestine's constrained policy landscape shaping its digital economic progress, a fundamental prerequisite must be acknowledged: the cessation of the Israeli occupation and settler colonialism in Palestine. To dismantle asymmetrical power dynamics, ending these oppressive forces is imperative. Within the digitization context, the aim is to shift from the Israeli-driven "Power Over" control of the digitization process to a paradigm of "Power To" This signifies empowering Palestinians to assert authority over their land, borders, digital infrastructure, and data. The upcoming section explores the actions required from diverse stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the international arena, including the United Nations and the global community, to aid Palestinians in attaining self-determination on their land and bridging the digital divide.

Essential Foundations for Sustainable Progress in the digital transformation effort in Palestine:

1. Ending the illegal Israeli occupation and settler colonialism in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, along with ending the harsh 17-year blockade on Gaza.
2. Granting Palestinians the autonomy to build, import, or develop their own Internet communication technology infrastructure and equipment to counter Israeli surveillance.
3. Foreign aid and investment directed towards the Palestinian ICT sector must acknowledge the prevailing colonial political realities and avoid compromising Palestinian political rights for transient economic remedies.
4. Holding tech giants (e.g., Facebook, Paypal, Google, Airbnb) accountable for discriminatory practices and their complicity in violating Palestinian digital rights. Their recognition and provision of services to illegal Israeli settlements while denying Palestinians access highlights a pressing concern.

In conclusion, Palestine's quest for technological innovation within its digitization agenda emerges as a potent tool for self-determination, economic growth, and reduced dependency. The analysis of its progress against key SDGs sheds light on the resilience and strategic vision of the Palestinian leadership in a dynamic digital era, despite formidable external constraints.

References:

1) Oxaal, Zoe, and Sally Baden. Gender and empowerment: definitions, approaches and implications for policy. No. 40. Bridge, Institute of Development Studies, 1997.

2) Wakunuma, Kutoma. "Power as an ethical concern in the Global South’s digital transformation: Power or empowerment?." (2019).

3) Moore, M. (2016). Tech giants and civic power.