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Date and Location

December 4, 2025
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM ET
One Brattle Square 350

Contact

617-496-1981
Busting Tech Hype: Ever-Emerging Tech Expectations & Geopolitical Realities

This project investigates how so-called emerging and disruptive technologies may have structuring effects for the international security environment. New developments in artificial intelligence, hypersonic delivery vehicles, autonomous systems, quantum sensing, and space technology are frequently portrayed as revolutionary, transformative, or game changing. Yet, these characteristics are often taken for granted rather than derived from rigorous scientific analysis. 

The research advances a theory of hyperbolized claims about new technologies. When such capabilities become “press-released” weapons and “status-faking” instruments, they may contribute to a technology-driven security spiral. 

The project has three objectives. First, it seeks to develop a new theoretical framework for studying technology and associated hype in the discipline of security studies. Second, it aims to identify pathways that lead to technology hype and its consequences for international security. Third, it endeavors to spell out policy-relevant recommendations for countering tech hype and redirecting these narratives toward improved technology governance.

Admittance is on a first come–first served basis. Tea and Coffee Provided.

Photo Caption: One of the Chinese hypersonic gliding vehicle projects. Its configuration was first exposed by Military Report on CCTV-7, 6 June 2016.

Speakers and Presenters

Dominika Kunertova, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, International Security Program

Organizer

International Security Program