Beyond International Endorsement: Explaining The Diffusion of India’s Digital Inclusivity Norm
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55681/ijssh.v4i3.3234Keywords:
Digital Public Infrastructure, Digital Inclusivity, Norm Life Cycle, Norm Diffusion, IndiaAbstract
Global digital transformation has enabled India to promote Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a model of digital development centered on digital inclusivity. Although the initiative has gained endorsement from various international forums and organizations, the diffusion of this norm has not yet reached norm internalization. This study examines the diffusion of India's digital inclusivity norm through DPI using Finnemore and Sikkink's (1998) Norm Life Cycle framework. Employing a qualitative approach, the study analyzes secondary data drawn from academic literature, government documents, and publications of international organizations. The findings show that India's domestic success in implementing DPI established its credibility as a norm entrepreneur, while international endorsement indicates progress toward norm cascade. However, the diffusion process remains largely state-centric, limiting broader societal acceptance and helping explain why the digital inclusivity norm has yet to reach norm internalization.
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