Tech and IR

Question 1

Tech can be instrumentalist - what does that mean?

Answer 1

Philosophical approach hick regards an activity as an instrument or tool

Question 2

Theory of co-production?

Answer 2

Dynamic interaction between technology and society (technology experts co-generate new knowledge and tech)

Question 3

What is civic-epistemologies?

Answer 3

Ways in which the public expects the states expertise and knowledge to be tested and put into decision making

Question 4

Theory of emergent fields?

Answer 4

new technology opens up new ways in which these can be regulated

Question 5

Ways in which tech is regulated?

Answer 5

1) Non-first use agreements
2) Arms limitation agreement
3) Deterrence
4) Disarmament
5) Non-proliferation
6) Humanitarian

Question 6

4 future trends of tech?

Answer 6

1) Defence
2) AI
3) Social Media
4) Big Data

Question 7

Problems of defence?

Answer 7

New tech have the scope to disrupt the balance of power (Off Realist) from a current perspective this therefore acts as a status quo enhancer

Question 8

Problems of AI?

Answer 8

Growing reliance on AI may cause problems of losing control

Question 9

Problems with Big Data?

Answer 9

Forms violent domination or polarisation of positions (Cambridge Analytica and the True campaign)

Question 10

Definition of Bio-Tech

Answer 10

“any technological application that uses biological systems … to modify products or processes for specific use” UN

Question 11

Innovation dilemma and Bio-Tech

Answer 11

1) Issues surrounding weaponising

2) scientific ethics - altering human genes (playing god and where to draw the line)

Question 12

What is the ElectRX system?

Answer 12

2014 - computer chips are designed to modulate the nervous system to help with everything from arthritis to PTSD

Question 13

What is Asymmetric warfare?

Answer 13

efforts by weaker participants in military confrontation to frustrate the advantages of the stronger power by guerrilla tactics or other unconventional methods

Question 14

US strategy for Space policy (3)?

Answer 14

1) reduce the risk of it
2) protection of advantages
3) protection of the right to use space capabilities in peace, crises or conflict

Question 15

5 US Space approaches?

Answer 15

1) Promote responsible, peaceful and safe use of space
2) Provide improved US space capability
3) Partner with responsible nations, international organisations, and commercial firms
4) Prevent and deter aggressions against space infrastructure that supports U.S. national security
5) Prepare to defeat attacks and to operate in a degraded environment

Question 16

4 EU Space Security policies?

Answer 16

1) Security forms an integral part of the European policy
2) need to be protected in the security of space
3) most space tech can serve multi-functions
4) can contribute to the development of an innovative and competitive European Defence Technological and Industrial Base

Question 17

What does Toom Ilves say about the Cyber?

Answer 17

Biggest problem is that of deterrence

Question 18

What is the Cyber ‘pearl harbour’?

Answer 18

Russia and China - have embedded cyber capabilities which allow them to take down parts of a nations grid = 10 million intrusions a day

Question 19

What is deterrence?

Answer 19

Schelling - “to prevent from action by fear of consequences”

Question 20

Pilisuk’s explanation for why we should disarm?

Answer 20

1) War is hell - 250 major wars have occurred post WW2
2) Expensive - multi billion dollar industry which could be used to tackle inequalities instead of fuel the means by which it gets worse

Question 21

Why is arms control desirable?

Answer 21

1) a world that is still propped up by conflict BUT the resolution prohibits the possible use of lethal weapons
2) transparency and openness for early detection of violations