Admission requirements
Only students of the Advanced MSc International Relations and Diplomacy can take this course.
Description
How can and do policymakers deal with the geopolitics of technology and digitalisation, protecting their values and interests and promoting a competitive environment? In this course we will seek answers to this question through a discussion of fundamental questions such as: in what ways are (emerging) digital technologies geopolitical? What are the building blocks of digital autonomy / tech sovereignty, and what are the implications (of a lack thereof) for technology holders and users? We will build an understanding of the main technology holders – countries and companies – and the key chokepoints in this domain. We will assess the state of play in Europe, and discuss cooperation and competition in (multilateral) digital governance and standardization.
The seminar-style discussion and assignments are devoted to topical developments and to practical dilemmas that policymakers face. To this end, policy-makers and/or experts from the region and/or the Netherlands will be invited as guest lecturers.
Course objectives
Objective 1:
The course aims to reflect on the ways by which (emerging) technologies (re)shape global geopolitics, influence power dynamics, and redefine international relations. Also, it contributes to students’ understanding of the systemic and practical changes stemming from the technological rivalry and leadership of a small group of countries/regions (notably, in the US, Asia and Europe) and Big Tech companies.
Objective 2:
Through its focus on technology and digitalisation, the course broadens and deepens students’ understanding of these domains as relatively new power factors in international relations and in the foreign policy and diplomacy of/between countries.
Objective 3:
The course sets out to enhance students’ research and analytical skills with a view to improving their understanding of policy-oriented decision-making.
Objective 4:
Based on a policy-oriented approach, the course aims to enhance students’ practical skills – in particular their presentation, debating and writing skills.
Timetable
On the right-hand side of the programme front page of the studyguide you will find a link to the online timetables.
Mode of instruction
This course is seminar based. Introductory lectures and group discussion are complemented with class presentations by students. One or more guest lecturers (including policymakers) will be invited to speak on topics of particular interest.
Every student is required to write and present a briefing note (in pairs); to write a policy brief (individual or group assignment); and to contribute to a mock conference (individual and group assignment).
Study load: 140 hours
Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory, subject to course structure (see syllabus for details).
Assessment method
active class participation: 10%
political reporting: 45% (written assignment and presentation: 20%+25%)
policy brief: 45%
Failed partial grades or components should be compensated by passed partial grades or components. The calculated grade must be at least 5.50 to pass the course. It is not possible to re-sit a partial grade or component once you have passed the course.
Passed partial grades obtained in the academic year 2024-2025 remain valid during the academic year 2025-2026.
Passed partial grades obtained in the academic year 2025-2026 remain valid during the academic year 2026-2027.
Should a student fail the overall course, the student can complete the course in the next academic year. In cases of exceptional circumstances, a student may apply to the board of examiners for a resit to complete the course in the same academic year.
Reading list
Students will read approximately 60-70 pages per week, mostly consisting of journal articles, book chapters, publications by think tanks and governments and opinionated articles. Complementing these compulsory and supplementary readings, a list of selected readings is provided prior to the first class, for those students who are interested in reading still more about the geopolitics of technology and digitalisation.
Furthermore, students are encouraged to look for relevant institutions and topical online content themselves. A list of think tanks and discussion fora that are particularly recommended will be provided.
Registration
TBA
Contact
Dr. M.W.A. Okano-Heijmans, Clingendael Institute mokano-heijmans@clingendael.org
Remarks
This course is an elective designed for MIRD students.
This elective is conditional on at least 5 students registering for this course.
Second year students have priority for the registration to this course.
This course is offered by The Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’.