The Geopolitics of the Digital International System

Students in the International Political Economy course taught by Prof. Andreas Goldthau were treated to a guest lecture by Tyson Barker, Director of the Technology and Global Affairs Program at the German Council on Foreign Relations and former deputy executive director at Aspen Germany.

Barker outlined what he sees as the key geopolitical trends in the digital landscape. These include the emergence of new general-purpose technologies such as cloud computing or artificial intelligence, the high concentration of technological governance, the rise of digital authoritarianism as a means of consolidating power, the crucial role of big tech in shaping the future of the Internet, and the return to state-backed industrial policy.

Following his remarks, the Brandt community was able to engage in discussion with the speaker. The conversation focused on the role of non-state actors in Internet governance, how the United States deals with privacy issues, and how states deal with acquisitions and mergers by Big Tech companies. Another topic was the European Union's position on innovation, regulation and its ability to anticipate future needs in the ICT sector.