AI and Global Politics: Navigating Technology's Impact on International Relations

Description

The course aims to provide students with tools to understand how the current wave of technological innovation (AI, quantum computing, 3-D printing, etc.) is transforming the world. To do so, it defines the contemporary international order and its processes of change before focusing on the relationships between international relations and technology. Finally, it discusses how technology is influencing the reshaping of politics, society, economics, security, diplomacy, and even identities. 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will
• be familiar, both from a theoretical and empirical perspective, with the features of the main models of the international system, its current structure and its contemporary processes of change;
• be aware of the reciprocally influencing relationship that has always existed between technology and politics;
• be able to discuss and trace how current technologies are redefining humans and the environment in which humans operate;
• have gained a preliminary knowledge of the tools that states are employing to govern technological change

Course contents 

The course is divided into two main parts. The first section focuses on international politics, tracing its transformation since its birth, before defining the concepts of social, political, and international order. The main models of the international order are then outlined. Finally, it discusses the main features of the contemporary international order and the issues and processes that are transforming it. 
The second part of the course deals with the relationship between international politics and technology by focusing on the ways the current wave of technological innovation is changing the ideas, images, and relationships the world is based upon. To trace the complexity of technological influence, it discusses how technology is redefining identities, and the environments in which humans operate (socio-political, economic, security, and diplomatic). The end of the course aims to outline tools and strategies that states are developing to govern this technological wave.

Prerequisites 

The course can be accessed by students of all backgrounds. A good working knowledge of English is essential.

Method of teaching 

The course will combine lectures, analyses of case studies, guest speakers, and debates. Students will have to research some case studies during the course, according to the instructor’s guidelines provided at the beginning of the course. Finally, students will have to orally present (15-20 minutes) issues and/or case studies provided by the instructor and according to his instructions.