This research focuses on the broad idea of global governance and the geopolitics of emerging digital technologies. Specifically, it examines the concepts of sovereignty versus multilateralism in the digital sector — especially AI and related technologies, asking two questions: (i) how do multilateral institutions, amidst the growing fragmentation of international order, advance interstate cooperation in the development and governance of AI systems?

Climate policy has traditionally focused on taxes and permits to reduce emissions, but fossil fuel subsidies present a significant challenge to these efforts. These subsidies, which involve government contributions that distort market prices, act as a negative carbon tax, encouraging fuel consumption. In 2022, fossil fuel subsidies made up 7.1% of the global GDP, highlighting the gap between efficient pricing and actual retail prices. For instance, in January 2024, gasoline cost just $0.029 per litre in Iran, compared to $3.091 in Hong Kong.