Recommendation 7

There is a strong case for the Government to establish deeper partnerships with “digital deciders” such as India, Singapore and Brazil. There is scope for the FCDO to have more dialogue with these countries and to form partnerships around the value of an open and global approach to tech rules and governance to counter the influence of authoritarian governments. The Government should increase its diplomatic efforts with countries who might otherwise align with models of digital authoritarianism, including by offering trade and investment opportunities in support of technologies that support democratic values and human rights. The Government should consider using funding streams such as the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) to support this work. (Paragraph 39) Linking domestic and foreign policy: bolstering national capabilities to exert national influence