Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Power, And National Security: Redefining State Sovereignty In The Twenty-First Century

Abstract

Purpose – The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cyberspace technologies has fundamentally transformed the global security environment, challenging conventional understandings of sovereignty, military power, governance, and interstate relations. This study examines the intersection between AI, cyber power, and national security, with the aim of explaining how AI is redefining state sovereignty within an increasingly interconnected digital ecosystem. Design/methodology/approach – This study employs a qualitative research design based on documentary analysis, comparative policy evaluation, and theoretical synthesis. It integrates perspectives from Realism, Liberal Institutionalism, Constructivism, and Cyber Sovereignty Theory to examine the strategic implications of AI-driven cyber capabilities. The analysis draws on contemporary policy documents, academic literature, and international reports concerning cyber governance, AI development, and national security. Findings – The findings demonstrate that AI has emerged as a force multiplier that is reshaping military doctrine, intelligence operations, cyber deterrence, digital governance, and geopolitical competition. AI-powered cyber capabilities enhance intelligence gathering, critical infrastructure protection, and military modernization, while simultaneously introducing unprecedented security risks, including autonomous cyber weapons, algorithmic manipulation, misinformation campaigns, deepfakes, cyber espionage, and sophisticated attacks on critical infrastructure. The analysis further suggests that future state sovereignty will depend increasingly on digital resilience, technological innovation, cyber defense capacity, and effective AI governance rather than solely on territorial control or conventional military strength. Research implications/limitations – This study is conceptual in nature and relies on documentary sources and comparative policy analysis. Future research should incorporate empirical case studies and quantitative assessments of AI-enabled cyber operations to evaluate their effectiveness, risks, and implications across different national contexts. Originality/value – This study contributes to contemporary security studies by integrating major international relations theories with Cyber Sovereignty Theory to explain the transformation of national security in the AI era. It proposes a comprehensive analytical framework demonstrating that sustainable sovereignty in the twenty-first century increasingly depends on the integration of AI governance, cyber resilience, indigenous technological innovation, and multilateral cooperation for responsible AI deployment.