Navigating the Impact of Strategic Technology in IR

This panel brings together papers that critically explore the role of different actors in driving the development and regulation of emerging technologies. The proposed papers aim to identify the key factors shaping technological progress and the main actors involved in this process in different regions of the world, with a particular focus on the EU, East and Central Asian countries and Russia. Through a comprehensive analysis, the panel seeks to map the development, application and regulation of key technologies - including artificial intelligence (AI), panopticon surveillance, cybersecurity and nuclear arms control, and human genome editing technologies. As well as addressing the empirical aspects of these technologies, the papers draw on a wide range of theoretical perspectives from International Relations (IR) theory, ranging from realism, liberalism and constructivism, in particular the strand of literature focusing on norm diffusion and norm contestation, but also critical approaches such as race and gender theories. The panel also emphasises inclusivity and diversity by including scholars at different stages of their careers and by including different perspectives based on gender, identity, institutional background and nationality. By bringing together a wide range of voices, the aim is to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas that will not only advance dialogue within the field, but also lay the groundwork for new research agendas and collaborative initiatives. Ultimately, the panel seeks to inspire a deeper understanding of the technological landscape and its implications for global governance, while outlining future directions for scholarly inquiry and policymaking.