Emerging Technologies and the Future of Conflict

The term “game-changing technology” is a popular refrain in the realm of international security. We are often quick to declare that a particular emerging technology will fundamentally transform the character of conflict and the global balance of power. In defense circles, much money and effort go into attempting to lead, or stave off, such revolutions. But there's always a danger of overestimating or mischaracterizing the impact of emerging technologies—of investing in, or against, a revolution that never materializes; or of failing to recognize a new technology’s disruptive potential before it’s too late to respond.

How do you forecast an emerging technology’s actual, rather than imagined, implications for international security? And how do we effectively communicate these conclusions to technologically-unversed decisionmakers so that they can craft a suitable response? Built around real-life case studies of "transformative" emerging technologies, this course will challenge students to develop an analytical framework for evaluating the true impact of any emerging technology on conflict, as well as communicate this work effectively with a policy audience. The class does not assume any prior direct experience in conflict technology research or technical expertise.

Course leader

Arthur Holland (United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research)

Target group

The IBEI Summer School in Global Politics, Development and Security is a program designed for graduate students and all those who have an interest in advanced knowledge of international security, international development and global politics issues. The objective is to offer different short courses on significant topics, taught by scholars and experts of international prestige. The School will enable participants to broadly discuss current developments in world politics in the light of core social-science and IR theories and perspectives. The format will be online or hybrid (face to face and online). Optionally, students may ask for an assessment in order to be able to obtain ECTS credits, provided they are recognized by their university.

Course aim

The term “game-changing technology” is a popular refrain in the realm of international security. We are often quick to declare that a particular emerging technology will fundamentally transform the character of conflict and the global balance of power. In defense circles, much money and effort go into attempting to lead, or stave off, such revolutions. But there's always a danger of overestimating or mischaracterizing the impact of emerging technologies—of investing in, or against, a revolution that never materializes; or of failing to recognize a new technology’s disruptive potential before it’s too late to respond.

How do you forecast an emerging technology’s actual, rather than imagined, implications for international security? And how do we effectively communicate these conclusions to technologically-unversed decisionmakers so that they can craft a suitable response? Built around real-life case studies of "transformative" emerging technologies, this course will challenge students to develop an analytical framework for evaluating the true impact of any emerging technology on conflict, as well as communicate this work effectively with a policy audience. The class does not assume any prior direct experience in conflict technology research or technical expertise.

Credits info

1 EC
Participants have the opportunity to gain ECTS credits if they are recognized by their universities.

6 hour course: 1 credit = Complete the course + daily assignments / project work

Fee info

EUR 195: Fee for Students. Discount pricing for participants taking more than one course (2 courses 20%; 3 courses 30%; 4 courses 40%).
Early bird discount: an additional 10% discount for full payments received on or before 9 June 2022
EUR 280: Fee for Professionals/Researchers. Discount pricing for participants taking more than one course (2 courses 20%; 3 courses 30%; 4 courses 40%).
Early bird discount: an additional 10% discount for full payments received on or before 9 June 2022

Scholarships

A number of scholarships to cover full or half course fees will be available. In addition to the application requirements, to apply for a scholarship, interested persons must send until 20th May 2021, a letter of interest, CV and a recommendation letter