Technology and International Politics

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge of English

Teaching Methods

The seminar-based format of the curricular unit presupposes active participation by the students. Besides the lecturer providing a conceptual framework from the outset, critical analysis and discussion of key texts are privileged throughout the sessions.

Learning Outcomes

Main goal: to provide essential knowledge for understanding the role of technology in contemporary international politics, and critically assess its concrete usages, its effects, and its (geo)political, ethical and social implications.

Specific objectives and competences:
- understand the key conceptual and theoretical debates that frame the use of technology in international relations, particularly at the level of war, security, defence and diplomacy, among others.
- to identify actors, their objectives and policies involved in the implementation and use of technologies with an international impact, through concrete and current case studies.

 

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Theoretical and conceptual foundations: technological determinism; actor-network theory; critical theories; post-humanism; biopower.

Case studies (examples): drone warfare; surveillance & biometrics; space policies (Europe, US, China); privatization of space; cyberwarfare; cognitive warfare; cyberdiplomacy; gender, race & technology; AI; hypersonic weapons; tech for peace; electoral interference & democracy

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Mini Tests: 35.0%
Project: 65.0%

Bibliography

* ERIKSSON, J, and Giacomello, G (2007) International Relations and Security in the Digital Age. London & New York: Routledge
* HOIJTINK, M, and Leese, M (2019) Technology and Agency in International Relations. Oxon & New York: Routledge
* LELE, A (2019) Disruptive technologies for the military and security. Smart innovation, systems and technologies Series, vol. 132. Springer
* MAYER, M; Carpes, M; and Knoblich, R (2014) The global politics of Science & Technology - Vol. 1. Concepts from IR and other disciplines. Springer
* ROLAND, A (2016) War & Technology: a very short introduction. Oxford University Press
* SCHROGL, K.U; Hays, P.L.; Robinson, J; Moura, D; and Giannopapa, C (2015) Handbook of Space Security. Policies, Applications and Programs. New York: Springer Reference
* TAYLOR, M. Z. (2016) The politics of innovation: Why some countries are better than others at science and technology. Oxford University Press