Introduction to the Tech-Driven Global Landscape
The rapid advancements in science and technology are fundamentally reshaping the landscape of international relations, creating both unprecedented opportunities for cooperation and profound new security challenges. From the expanding domain of space and the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the revolutionary potential of Quantum Computing and Biotechnology, these cutting-edge fields are becoming critical arenas of geopolitical competition and diplomatic engagement. This topic explores the implications of these technological frontiers for global governance, arms control, and economic power, highlighting their impact on international security, trade, and cooperation.
6.6.1: Space Diplomacy & Outer Space Governance
Space Diplomacy & Militarization
Use of space cooperation for foreign policy and soft power projection. Growing military development in space.
- Militarization: Use of space for military support.
- Weaponization: Placing weapons in space.
Space Debris & ASAT Tests
Accumulation of junk threatening operational satellites (Kessler Syndrome). Tests demonstrating capability to destroy satellites.
- Examples: China (2007), India (Mission Shakti, 2019), Russia (2021).
- Impact: Creates more debris, risks arms race.
Outer Space Governance & Challenges
Efforts to regulate activities in space.
- COPUOS: UN body for peaceful uses.
- Outer Space Treaty (1967): Prohibits WMDs in space.
- Challenges: Lack of binding norms for security, weaponization, debris mitigation. Debate on PAROS treaty.
India's Stance on Space:
Supports peaceful uses, advocates PAROS and TCBMs. Strong indigenous program (ISRO). Joined Artemis Accords (2023) for peaceful, transparent lunar exploration.
6.6.2: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geopolitics
AI: Definition & Dual-Use Technology
Simulation of human intelligence processes by machines.
- Civilian: Healthcare, economy, climate modeling.
- Military: Autonomous weapons systems (AWS), intelligence analysis, cyber ops.
AI Arms Race & Geopolitical Competition
Intensifying competition among major powers (US, China, Russia) for advanced military AI, risking a new arms race and destabilization.
Ethical Implications & Governance of AI
- Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) / "Killer Robots": AI-powered weapons without human intervention. Raises concerns about accountability, human control, "moral gap."
- Bias and Discrimination: AI systems can perpetuate existing societal biases.
- Privacy and Surveillance: AI-powered technologies raise human rights concerns.
AI Governance: Efforts to establish international norms and regulations for responsible AI. Discussions at UN, EU (AI Act). India emphasizes "AI for All" and ethical development.
6.6.3: Quantum Computing and its Implications
Definition & Revolutionary Potential
Uses quantum mechanics (superposition, entanglement) to solve complex problems intractable for classical computers.
- Cryptography: Can break current encryption; necessitates post-quantum cryptography.
- National Security: Advanced code-breaking, secure communications, rapid material science for defense.
- Economic Impact: Revolutionize finance, healthcare, logistics.
Geopolitics & India's Approach
Major powers (US, China, EU, Russia) investing heavily, leading to a new frontier of technological competition.
- India's Approach: Launched National Quantum Mission (2023) to accelerate R&D and position itself as a global leader.
6.6.4: Biotechnology and Gene Editing
Biotechnology & Gene Editing
Application of biological processes for various purposes. Gene editing (CRISPR-Cas9) allows precise DNA modification.
- Potential: Disease cure, crop enhancement.
- Concerns: "Designer Babies" (inheritable changes), social inequality, bio-hacking.
Bioweapons & International Regulation
Using biological agents for harm. Prohibited by the BWC (Biological Weapons Convention, 1972), which India is a signatory to.
- Regulation: Ongoing UN discussions for ethical guidelines to prevent misuse of biotechnology.
6.6.5: Digital Divide and Internet Governance
Digital Divide & Impact
The gap in access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
- Impact: Exacerbates inequalities in education, healthcare, economy, and political participation.
Internet Governance & Challenges
Development of shared principles and norms for the Internet, by multiple stakeholders.
- Net Neutrality: Equal treatment of all Internet data.
- Data Localization: Requirement to store data locally.
- Cross-border Data Flows: Tension between free flow and national sovereignty.
- Cybersecurity: State-sponsored hacking, crime, disinformation.
- Jurisdiction: Difficulty in applying national laws globally.
India's Stance on Internet Governance:
Supports multi-stakeholder model, advocates data localization for security, implemented Net Neutrality rules, champions Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
6.6.6: Critical and Emerging Technologies (CETs)
Semiconductor Supply Chains
Microchips are fundamental. Concentration of manufacturing (Taiwan, S. Korea) creates geopolitical vulnerabilities.
- India's Efforts: India Semiconductor Mission to build domestic ecosystem.
Key CETs (Beyond AI, Quantum, Biotech)
- Advanced Materials: Graphene, composites.
- 5G/6G Technology: Next-gen wireless communication.
Geopolitical Implications & India's Strategy
Intense rivalry for leadership, supply chain security, export controls, strategic partnerships.
- Alliances: Quad, AUKUS, I2U2, iCET.
- India's Strategy: Indigenous R&D, FDI, international collaborations (iCET).
Prelims-ready Notes: S&T in IR
Space Diplomacy & Governance:
- Militarization vs. Weaponization.
- Space Debris (Kessler Syndrome).
- ASAT Tests: China (2007), India (Mission Shakti 2019), Russia (2021).
- Outer Space Treaty (1967), COPUOS, PAROS debate.
- India's Stance: Peaceful, PAROS, TCBMs, Artemis Accords (2023).
AI & Geopolitics:
- Dual-use: Civilian & Military (AWS).
- AI Arms Race (US, China, Russia).
- Ethical concerns: Killer Robots, Bias, Privacy.
- Governance: Norms (UN, EU AI Act).
- India: "AI for All," ethical AI.
Quantum Computing & Biotech:
- Quantum: Cryptography disruption, National Security, Economic Impact.
- India: National Quantum Mission (2023).
- Biotech/Gene Editing: "Designer Babies," moral concerns.
- Bioweapons: BWC (1972) prohibits (India signed).
Digital Divide & Internet Governance:
- Digital Divide: Access gap.
- Internet Governance: Multi-stakeholder model.
- Challenges: Net Neutrality, Data Localization, Cross-border Data Flows, Cybersecurity, Jurisdiction.
- India: Multi-stakeholder, data localization, Net Neutrality, DPI.
Critical & Emerging Technologies (CETs):
- Strategic importance, dual-use.
- Key CETs: Semiconductors, Quantum, AI, Adv. Materials, 5G/6G.
- Geopolitical: Tech competition, supply chain security, export controls, strategic partnerships.
- India: Indigenous R&D, FDI, int. collaborations (iCET).
Summary Table: Science, Technology & IR
| Technology Domain | Key Issues/Concepts | Implications for IR | India's Stance/Initiatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Space | Militarization, Space Debris, ASAT Tests, Governance | Arms race, strategic stability, Kessler Syndrome | Peaceful uses, PAROS, Mission Shakti (ASAT), Artemis Accords |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Dual-use, AI arms race, AWS, Ethics | Ethical dilemmas, future of warfare, tech dominance | "AI for All," ethical AI, responsible development |
| Quantum Computing | Cryptography disruption, Secure communications, National Security | Reshaping intelligence, defense, finance security | National Quantum Mission (2023) |
| Biotechnology/Gene Editing | Ethical concerns (human germline), Bioweapons | Bio-security, international regulation, bio-arms race | BWC signatory, ethical guidelines discussions |
| Digital Technologies | Digital Divide, Internet Governance, Data Localization, Cross-border Data Flows | Equality, sovereignty, global trade, cybersecurity | DPI, Net Neutrality, Data Localization, multi-stakeholder IG |
| CETs (Overall) | Semiconductors, Quantum, AI, Advanced Materials, 5G/6G | Tech competition, supply chain resilience, strategic alliances | India Semiconductor Mission, iCET, indigenous R&D |
Tech-IR Nexus: A Conceptual Flow
This diagram illustrates the cascading impact of scientific and technological advancements on the international system.
Mains-ready Analytical Notes
The Geopolitics of Space: Challenges & India's Role
Strategic Importance: Space is vital for military (surveillance, navigation, comms), economic (telecom, remote sensing), and societal functions.
Challenges: Militarization/Weaponization (ASAT tests, arms race fears), Space Debris (Kessler Syndrome), lack of binding norms (Outer Space Treaty insufficient, PAROS debate), commercialization brings new governance issues.
India's Role: Responsible space power (ISRO, peaceful uses). ASAT Test (Mission Shakti, 2019) was a deterrent, committed to non-weaponization. Advocates PAROS, TCBMs. International cooperation (Artemis Accords, NISAR). Crucial role in shaping future space governance.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geopolitics: Power & Ethical Dilemmas
Dual-Use Nature: AI's transformative potential for economic growth/social development AND military applications.
AI Arms Race: Intensifying competition (US, China) for AI dominance in defense, intelligence, surveillance, risking strategic destabilization. AI enhances hybrid warfare.
Ethical Dilemmas: AWS (human control, accountability, escalation), Bias/Discrimination (amplifies societal biases), Privacy/Surveillance (human rights infringement), Misinformation/Disinformation (threatens democracy).
AI Governance: Urgent need for international norms/regulations (UN, EU AI Act, iCET). India advocates "AI for All," ethical, human-centric development.
Geopolitics of Critical and Emerging Technologies (CETs)
Definition: CETs (semiconductors, quantum, AI, advanced materials, biotech, 5G/6G) foundational for future economic power and national security.
Geopolitical Significance: Intense rivalry for dominance (US vs. China). Supply Chain Vulnerabilities due to concentration (e.g., semiconductors). Export Controls used to limit rivals' tech advancement. Strategic Alliances (Quad, AUKUS, I2U2, iCET).
India's Strategy: Indigenous Development (National Quantum Mission, India Semiconductor Mission), Attracting FDI (Micron investment), International Collaboration (iCET, IPEF), Supply Chain Resilience.
Digital Divide & Internet Governance: Sovereignty vs. Openness
Digital Divide: Exacerbates socio-economic inequalities globally.
Internet Governance Debate: Tension between "open internet" (free flow, multi-stakeholder) and "digital sovereignty" (states control). Key Issues: Data Localization (India supports), Cross-border Data Flows, Net Neutrality, Cybersecurity, Jurisdiction.
India's Stance: Multi-stakeholder model, data localization for security, champions Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for inclusion. Bridging the divide and ensuring a free/secure internet remains a complex challenge.
Current Affairs & Recent Developments (Last 1 Year)
iCET (Jan 2023)
India & US launched Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies. Framework for cooperation on defense manufacturing, semiconductors, AI, quantum, space, clean energy. Deepens strategic tech partnership.
India's National Quantum Mission (April 2023)
Over ₹6,000 crore outlay to accelerate R&D in quantum technologies. Aims to position India as a global leader in quantum computing, comms, sensing.
Micron Technology Investment (June 2023)
US semiconductor giant Micron announced $2.75 billion investment in a new semiconductor assembly and test facility in Gujarat, boosting India's domestic ecosystem.
India Joins Artemis Accords (June 2023)
India formally joined the US-led Artemis Accords for lunar exploration, committing to principles of peaceful, transparent, and sustainable space activities.
Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act 2023)
India passed comprehensive data protection law addressing data privacy, cross-border data flows, and data localization. Key step in India's digital governance.
Discussions on AI Governance (Nov 2023)
India participated in Bletchley Park Summit on AI Safety (UK), leading to Bletchley Declaration on safe and responsible AI. Highlights international efforts on AI norms.
UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims MCQs
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(2023) The term "Quantum Computing" is associated with which of the following areas of technology?
- (a) Traditional supercomputers
- (b) Utilizing principles of quantum mechanics for computation
- (c) Developing new types of biological sensors
- (d) Advanced robotics for manufacturing
Answer: (b)
Hint: This directly tests knowledge of a key emerging technology.
-
(2022) Consider the following statements regarding the 'Green Hydrogen' initiative: (Relevant to energy transition and dual-use tech)
- 1. It is produced by electrolysis of water using renewable energy.
- 2. It can be used as a clean fuel in transport and industrial sectors.
- 3. India has launched a National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Hint: Green Hydrogen itself can be considered a CET.
Mains Questions
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(2021) "The global order is rapidly shifting from a unipolar to a multipolar world." Discuss the implications of this shift for India's foreign policy. (15 Marks)
Guidance for Answer
Direction: The geopolitics of CETs, AI arms race, and space competition are direct implications of this shift. India's strategy to emerge as a technological power is central here, alongside its non-alignment and multi-alignment efforts.
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(2018) What are the main challenges to global governance in the contemporary world? Discuss the reforms necessary to make global governance institutions more effective. (15 Marks)
Guidance for Answer
Direction: Challenges like cyber warfare, AI governance, and space debris (lack of norms) are prime examples testing global governance. Reforms needed for these new domains, including multi-stakeholder approaches and adapting existing institutions.