Specialists from different fields have embarked on writing books to better explain the links between geopolitics and the digital world. Political scientists, engineers, philosophers, and senior civil servants regularly publish analyses to decrypt this new form of “warfare”. Below are some examples of essays that will help you dive deeper into the connection between geopolitics and the digital world.
When Geopolitics Unfolds in Data
Today, essays dedicated to digital sovereignty, informational warfare, and AI constitute a distinct editorial category. These publications are produced by academics, practitioners, and specialists at various levels. They document the shifting power dynamics in the digital age among nations. Previously reserved for specialists, these topics now resonate with a broader readership, especially as digital technology increasingly permeates our lives on various levels.
The convergence of geopolitics and the digital world extends beyond the editorial realm. It also influences various higher education programs, particularly those related to political science and digital studies. For example, the ia 18.06 school, a private institution in Molsheim, Alsace, has built its educational project at the crossroads of political science and digital technology. The school believes that the political and digital dimensions can no longer be separated, as you will notice in the works listed below.
5 Essays to Decipher the New Global Landscape
Literature focusing on the themes of geopolitics and the digital world has significantly expanded in recent years. Among the available works, here are 5 that are definitely worth exploring.
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Technopolitics: How Technology Turns Us into Soldiers?
Published by Seuil Editions in 2023 and authored by Asma Mhalla, this book delves into data sovereignty and the cloud. It methodically analyzes Europe’s dependency on American and Chinese digital infrastructures. The author illustrates how the cloud, platforms, and data have become tools of geopolitical power. -
Atlas of Artificial Intelligence
If you’re looking for a book that addresses AI and democracy, you can opt for Kate Crawford’s “Atlas of Artificial Intelligence,” published by Yale University Press in October 2021. The book explores the political and social implications of contemporary AI systems. It argues that a disembodied and neutral AI is a myth. -
The Information War: States Conquering Our Minds
In this book related to information warfare and intelligence written by Davis Colon and released by Tallandier Editions in 2023, strategies of influence and disinformation are discussed. The book highlights the role of social networks, data, and OSINT techniques in modern conflicts. This essay is significant for a better understanding of new forms of hybrid warfare. -
The Digital Sovereignty Trap: Avoiding the Return of Silos
Authored by Anu Bradford and published by Oxford University Press in 2023, this book analyzes the tensions between regulation, sovereignty, and digital globalization with a comparison of European, American, and Chinese approaches. The author discusses the impact of regulations like the GDPR and platform laws. The book is excellent for a deeper grasp of digital diplomacy. -
Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity
If you’re interested in a book exploring the intersection between Tech and social sciences, you might want to look into “Power and Progress” by Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson, released by PublicAffairs in 2023. The book offers a historical perspective on the relationship between technological progress and social organization. The authors also emphasize that there is no neutral technology; it depends on political choices and can either reinforce inequalities or serve collective interests.
Political Science and Digital Studies: A Convergence in Education
The themes explored in the aforementioned essays are not confined to books; they reflect the current changes we are experiencing. Today, political science programs systematically incorporate modules dedicated to digital challenges, such as cryptocurrencies, personal data protection, and the use of big data analysis tools.
This pedagogical revolution aligns with a professional reality. Future diplomats, risk analysts, policy advisors, and others will have to practice their professions in environments where digital technology is omnipresent. Therefore, mastering digital skills is essential for making informed decisions in their respective fields.
The political science bachelor’s program at the 18.06 school, a private higher education institution in Molsheim, Alsace, exemplifies this approach. It combines international relations, geopolitics, and digital modules. With this foundation, students have the opportunity to pursue a Master’s in Business Diplomacy or Security & Intelligence. They graduate with the skills to understand technological power dynamics and not just be subject to them.
(Credits illustration: Pexels CC 0)
By Victor De Sepausy
Contact: vds@actualitte.com
