Technology and International Security

Abstract

The early twenty-first century has been characterized by an unprecedented rate of technological change, particularly in the areas classed as information technology. This is changing the practice of international relations and the pursuit of international security. Large and small nations and non-state actors are now playing on a much more level technological playing field, which is changing the distribution of power in the world. Both hard and soft powers are being affected by technological change. The pace of change makes long-range predictions of the trajectory of technology impossible, but it is clear that the ability to innovate and exploit changes will be essential to states’ success for the remainder of the century.