2025 APSA Virtual Research Meeting (VRM)
April 10th and 11th | Research Group Workshop
International Politics of AI: Navigating Transformative Technologies, Arms Races, and Wars
Workshop Organizers: Benjamin David Harack (Oxford University)
The remarkable progress of artificial intelligence in recent years is prompting states to reassess their perceptions of near-term opportunities and risks. New concerns have emerged as especially salient for states, including the potential for dangerous misuse of AI in the form of bio and cyber weapons controlled by non-state actors. More speculatively, AI might drive a drastic reordering of the global economy and military power—prospects that, in turn, raise questions about the potential for arms races and great power war.
This Research Group aims to understand the strategic implications of AI by extending international relations theory and coupling it with a fine-grained grasp of the empirical realities of both AI and broader technological change. While technologies of extreme significance are rare in the historical record, there is still much to learn from the history of technological change. Similarly, much of international relations theory may be highly relevant to understanding the age of AI. The central challenge for this Research Group will be identifying and pursuing the research bets informed by the emerging shape of AI technologies, as well as by history and theory. Dedicated to understanding the international politics of AI, this Research Group will adopt a methodologically pluralistic approach.
- Apply to a Virtual Research Group Workshop here. Deadline: Friday, February 14, 2025, 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
- View all research group workshop descriptions on the 2025 APSA Virtual Research Meeting website.
The 2025 APSA Virtual Research Meeting, held online April 10th and April 11th, will explore the meeting theme, “Political Science Research in a Virtual World.” This two-day virtual event, is designed for scholars to to develop and share their research, provide constructive feedback, and build networks and partnerships for future collaboration. Submit a Paper or Panel, or Research Group Workshop »