The Global and the Local: Tracing the Trajectory of the Largest Biometric Identity Program

Abstract

How did the largest national biometric identity program chart a successful trajectory for itself? We employ the actor‐network theory in a novel case of unprecedented scale to trace the trajectory of a complex government program in India. The program created a huge local network of human actors and technical artifacts and their resultant actions shaped the interests of the global network positively, thus managing the political support and flow of funds for the project. Modern strategies of minimalist design, open application program interfaces, and the fast pace of implementation strengthened the position of the program as the obligatory passage point.Related ArticlesChao, Chia‐An, and Nathan Myers. 2018. “State Biotechnology and Genomic Development: Critical Resources and Barriers.” Politics & Policy 46 (6): 985‐1016. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12279Harvey, Olivia. 2009. “Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research in the United States: Some Policy Options for Industry Development.” Politics & Policy 37 (1): 51‐71. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2008.00161.xMontes de Oca Barrera, Laura Beatriz. 2019. “Persistent Exclusion in Mexico: Regulatory Governance as an Imperfect Project of Political Modernization.” Politics & Policy 47 (1): 127‐151. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12291Related Media“International Seminar on Network Theory Keynote ‐ Bruno Latour.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj7EDMRJrbU“S1: Aadhaar has Made India a World Leader in Digital Payments Security.” 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jfn19qry5s“Davos 2019 ‐ Identity in a Digital World.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1CNG4pYOPs