DIGITAL DIPLOMACY AND GEOECONOMIC CONNECTIVITY: PAKISTAN’S STRATEGIC POSITION IN THE CHINA–MIDDLE EAST TRADE CORRIDOR

Abstract

This study examined the intersection of digital diplomacy and geoeconomic connectivity in shaping Pakistan’s strategic position within the China–Middle East trade corridor. In the context of rapid global digital transformation and the expansion of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the research analyzed how digital infrastructure, cyber-enabled diplomacy, and emerging data-driven governance systems influence regional trade integration and strategic alignment. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative survey data from 200 respondents with qualitative insights from expert interviews and secondary policy analysis. The findings revealed that digital infrastructure development is the most significant determinant of geoeconomic connectivity, followed by digital diplomacy effectiveness and cybersecurity readiness. The study further demonstrated that while Pakistan’s integration into China-led digital ecosystems enhances its connectivity and trade facilitation potential, it also generates challenges related to technological dependency, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and institutional capacity constraints. Theoretically, the study extended Network Power Theory by demonstrating how digital networks and infrastructure systems redefine state power in contemporary geoeconomic structures. The research concludes that Pakistan’s strategic role is increasingly shaped by its integration into digital and physical connectivity networks, transforming it from a transit-based economy into an emerging digital corridor hub.