This essay applies the conceptual framework of the 17C Rationalism / Negri — most prominently associated with Spinoza (via Negri & Hardt) — to re-read the Global IGF 2025 Oslo conference. Target audience: researchers, doctoral students, policy analysts, and executives.
Introduction: The Problem
The Spinozan political philosophy developed by Negri & Hardt in Empire and Multitude envisions a subject of plurality, neither state nor people. The diverse actors at Global IGF can be read through this multitude concept.
This essay argues that the multistakeholder process of Global IGF becomes intelligible in its specificity only through the concept of Multitude against Empire, and that the concept itself undergoes transformation under the new material of digital space. Describing this mutual transformation is the task of this essay.
The multitude as networked subject
The differences among participants gathered at Oslo are valued as preservation of singularity rather than as material for integration. The moment Norway's civil society organizations connect with those of other countries, production of the common begins.
Each session's agenda-setting can be read as a contemporary restaging of the Spinoza (via Negri & Hardt)-type problematic.
The form of the Global IGF stands between the principle of national sovereignty and the logic of a global public realm that transcends it.
Production of the common
Spinoza (via Negri & Hardt)'s concepts are not confined to abstract philosophical discussion; they apply to the concrete agenda items debated at the 2025 conference. We examine that application below.
1. Application to "Day 0イベント"
Discussion of "Day 0イベント" can be positioned, from the perspective of Spinoza (via Negri & Hardt)'s Multitude against Empire, as a central problematic. In Norway's context, the three layers of regulatory design, social implementation, and citizen participation around Day 0イベント are particularly at stake.
2. Application to "情報の完全性"
Discussion of "情報の完全性" can be positioned, from the perspective of Spinoza (via Negri & Hardt)'s Multitude against Empire, as a derivative problematic. In Norway's context, the three layers of regulatory design, social implementation, and citizen participation around 情報の完全性 are particularly at stake.
3. Application to "海底ケーブル"
Discussion of "海底ケーブル" can be positioned, from the perspective of Spinoza (via Negri & Hardt)'s Multitude against Empire, as a peripheral yet important problematic. In Norway's context, the three layers of regulatory design, social implementation, and citizen participation around 海底ケーブル are particularly at stake.
4. Application to "若者"
Discussion of "若者" can be positioned, from the perspective of Spinoza (via Negri & Hardt)'s Multitude against Empire, as a peripheral yet important problematic. In Norway's context, the three layers of regulatory design, social implementation, and citizen participation around 若者 are particularly at stake.
5. Application to "国連連携"
Discussion of "国連連携" can be positioned, from the perspective of Spinoza (via Negri & Hardt)'s Multitude against Empire, as a peripheral yet important problematic. In Norway's context, the three layers of regulatory design, social implementation, and citizen participation around 国連連携 are particularly at stake.
Implications for Executives and Practitioners
The philosophical reflection of this essay is not merely academic. The Spinoza (via Negri & Hardt) perspective carries three practical implications for executives operating in Norway.
First, it raises the reflexive question of how the firm's business model connects to the logic of Multitude against Empire. Second, in dialogue with regulators and civil society, it suggests dimensions of consensus formation that purely technical arguments cannot reach. Third, it indicates that the long-term ground of business legitimacy lies not so much in technical advantage or market share as in participation in such philosophical-normative debates.
Academic Positioning and Future Research
The argument of this essay attempts to graft a philosophical perspective onto the mainstream political-science and legal approaches to internet governance research. Three future research questions follow.
- Verification of the applicability of Spinoza (via Negri & Hardt)'s framework to other IGF conferences
- Comparative contrast between 17C Rationalism / Negri and other theoretical traditions
- Exploration of dialogue possibilities with the indigenous intellectual traditions of Norway
In particular, the third point has the potential to liberate IGF research from West-centric debate and open a more multi-layered discursive space.
Primary Sources
- IGF Secretariat. Annual Reports of Global IGF.
- Global IGF 2025 Oslo Conference Materials.
- Nakazawa Yuki Blog. https://nkzw.jp/category/igf/
Secondary Sources (Philosophy)
- Works of Spinoza (via Negri & Hardt) (representative texts of 17C Rationalism / Negri)
*This piece belongs to the academic essays (philosophy series). The author's views do not necessarily represent those of any institutional affiliation. Feedback and critique are welcome.*
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第1稿投稿 2026年7月10日 10時15分（記事コンテンツアップ）
— 中澤祐樹
