An International Mobile Security Standard Dispute: From the Actor—Network Perspective

In 2004 there was a trade and technology dispute of significance between China and the United States surrounding a mobile security standard called WAPI (Wireless LAN Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure). Using the remarkable size of its domestic market as a lever, China is challenging some existing or being-shaped standards to set its own standards not only within its own territory but also potentially in the world markets. WAPI is another example in a series of these attempts. Using the actor—network theory, we investigate the process of mobile standards setting in the international context where superpowers like China and the United States compete.