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Huawei, 5G and Security: Technological Limitations and Political Responses

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  • Karsten Friis
  • Olav Lysne

Abstract

How did Chinese 5G providers, such as Huawei, become a security concern in the USA and Europe? Were the security concerns related to 5G and Chinese suppliers based upon technological features of the systems, or were they a product of geopolitical rivalry? How did European approaches to 5G distinguish themselves from those of the USA? This article addresses these questions using an interdisciplinary approach via the framework of securitization theory. The authors argue that the technological features of 5G made securitization more likely compared to 4G, and that screening and control of software was unlikely to defuse securitization concerns. They also show how Europe chose its own path for the securitization of 5G. In short, the article argues that the American macrosecuritization of China largely failed in Europe, whereas the niche securitization of 5G was more successful.

Suggested Citation

  • Karsten Friis & Olav Lysne, 2021. "Huawei, 5G and Security: Technological Limitations and Political Responses," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 52(5), pages 1174-1195, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devchg:v:52:y:2021:i:5:p:1174-1195
    DOI: 10.1111/dech.12680
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cartwright, Madison, 2020. "Internationalising state power through the internet: Google, Huawei and geopolitical struggle," Internet Policy Review: Journal on Internet Regulation, Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG), Berlin, vol. 9(3), pages 1-18.
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    Cited by:

    1. HAYAKAWA,Kazunobu & Yang,Chih-hai, 2025. "Technology Sanction and Firm R&D: Evidence From the US-China Trade Dispute," IDE Discussion Papers 950, Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO).
    2. Bernardo Melo Pimentel & Guillermo Hunter Ramírez, 2022. "Davids and Goliaths: Hidden champions in an age of state capitalism," Working Papers hal-03685959, HAL.
    3. Anas Ramdani & Catherine Beaudry & Mario Bourgault & Davide Pulizzotto, 2024. "Navigating geopolitical storms: assessing the robustness of Canada’s 5G research network in the wake of the Huawei conflict," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 129(10), pages 6221-6259, October.

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