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‘Big Tech–Big State politics’ come of age: Dispatches from the archives

Malcolm Campbell-Verduyn & MI Franklin

Environment and Planning D: society and space2026https://doi.org/10.1177/02637758261430563article
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0.50

Abstract

In this article, we explore the spatial–political implications of an emergent Big Tech–Big State power axis and the anti-democratic authority it looks to wield. Drawing on participant-observation research within spaces identifying as fully inclusive, we argue that this public–private partnership must be understood as a burgeoning advocacy project that is ‘working’ the intersection of two domains: (1) blockchain-facilitated financial services and (2) human rights advocacy, law, and norms. Based on a joint revisiting of our research archives, we observe a synchronicity between: (a) advocacy of ‘digital’ rights-for-all and (b) ‘universal access’ to blockchain-based finance. This convergence of word and deed signals the embedding of what we call polycentric internet governmentality ; ‘global consensus building’ consultations in which Big Tech manifests as an accredited political actor in ways that that go beyond the business sector's presence in inter-governmental or civil society-hosted consultations on media/internet – and now – digital/tech governance. When considered in tandem, the extra-judicial power at play over time is thrown into relief in both cases. We call for a re-conceptualization of the states–internet–markets nexus that undergirds internet/tech governance; as research fields, policymaking spaces, and political arenas.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/02637758261430563

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@article{malcolm2026,
  title        = {{‘Big Tech–Big State politics’ come of age: Dispatches from the archives}},
  author       = {Malcolm Campbell-Verduyn & MI Franklin},
  journal      = {Environment and Planning D: society and space},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/02637758261430563},
}

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

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