DIGITAL PALIMPSEST OF LAW: EVOLUTION OF THE GLOBAL DISSERTATION DISCOURSE IN THE ERA OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Abstract

This article analyses the evolution of global dissertation discourse in the field of digital law in the context of the digital transformation of society. The author introduces the concept of a “digital palimpsest of law” as a multi-layered structure in which traditional legal institutions are rewritten under the influence of digital innovations. Based on comparative analysis, bibliometric methods, and statistical modelling of foreign dissertations (with an emphasis on top QS-ranked universities), key trends are identified: changes in public law (platform regulation, digital sovereignty, cybersecurity), private law (AI, smart contracts, digital identity) and international law (cross-border data, harmonisation of standards). The study highlights the interdisciplinary approach, the growth in the number of dissertations in leading countries (the UK, the US, Germany, etc.), as well as challenges such as “elusive relevance” and ethical dilemmas. In conclusion, it proposes the creation of thematic indexes for the integration of domestic and foreign science, contributing to global dialogue and the formation of new legal concepts in an era of technological turbulence.