ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the case of the G8s Digital Opportunities Task Force (DOT Force), using insights provided by constructivism and social identity theory. It argues that an increase in institutionalization and specialization in top-down created working groups changes their participant's interests and identities, thereby increasing cooperation and eventually compliance. These tightly focused groups, especially those tasked with policy areas that are relatively new, provide a forum that favors the evolution of a group-centric identity that mitigates an overwhelming concentration on national conceptions of relative capability and competitive interests. Further work is embedded in a larger constellation of multilateral organizations (MOs) working in the same policy area, provides extra impetus for compliance. The United Nation's Information and Communications Technologies Task Force (UN ICT) took over as a focal point for continuing the process initiated by the DOT Force, assisted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Developments (OECDs) Development Assistance Committee (DAC).
