Module description
This module examines the political, ethical, and international security implications of evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence; nuclear, biological and chemical weapons; cyber capabilities; drones; and space systems. It introduces students to major theoretical perspectives, key incidents and cases, and contemporary debates at the intersection of technology and policy.
Sessions will explore questions such as: Can technologies help resolve the most critical security challenges of our time – or will some pose new threats to the future of humanity and its habitats? How do technologies affect military balances and power distributions among states? How do technologies reinforce or disrupt global inequalities? Whose security do these technologies serve, and whose do they ignore? How do states (try to) leverage new technologies for strategic advantage?
Do new technologies empower non-state actors and reshape contemporary conflict and security, and if so, how? How do global infrastructures mediate security? What futures do states imagine when they invest in different technologies?
Assessment details
| Essay |
2000 words |
50% |
| Closed Book Exam |
2 hours |
50% |
Educational aims & objectives
- Develop a foundational understanding of the security implications of established and emerging technologies, e.g. artificial intelligence, nuclear weapons, biological and chemical weapons, cyber capabilities, drones, and space systems.
- Critically evaluate the political, ethical, and security implications of technological change through different theoretical lenses.
- Understand how national security strategy has responded and adapted to technological change.
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of major theoretical perspectives on technological change and the role of such change in international politics, as well as of key technologies relevant to international security and their strategic implications.
- Identify and evaluate potential geopolitical, ethical, and security benefits and risks associated with new and emerging technologies.
- Utilise a range of analytical and creative methods, including interdisciplinary frameworks, to explore the potential trajectories of technological change and their implications for international politics and security.
- Critically engage with policy responses related to technology and security.
- Organise and communicate information clearly, both orally and in writing, to different audiences.
- Analyse and evaluate different information sources.
- Understand and synthesise relevant information.
- Distil technical understandings into clear and relatable language for non-specialist audiences, particularly policy-makers.
- Develop strategic foresight and scenario planning skills.
- Assess and communicate technology-related geopolitical risks.
Teaching pattern
This module will be delivered using a flexible approach, with a mix of interactive lectures and seminars.