International Relations

C01(a) - Global Governance 1: Tech Governance

Date: Jun 3 | Time: 08:30am to 10:00am | Location:

Chair/Président/Présidente : Ian Roberge (York University)

Discussant/Commentateur/Commentatrice : Sara Greco (Women in International Security-Canada)

What is Cybersecurity Governance? Kristen Csenkey, Centre for International Governance Innovation Why Africa Should Lead on Governing Global Tech Giants Andrew Heffernan, University of Ottawa Examining the Sociotechnical Imaginaries at the Intersection of AI and Quantum Technology in Policy Documents: the Case of European Union, Canada, and the United States Kristen Csenkey, Centre for International Governance Innovation Benjamin Johnson, University of Groningen

Examining the Sociotechnical Imaginaries at the Intersection of AI and Quantum Technology in Policy Documents: the Case of European Union, Canada, and the United States: Kristen Csenkey (Centre for International Governance Innovation), Benjamin Johnson (University of Groningen)
Abstract: Few periods are characterized by the potential for radical social transformation stemming from technological development such as ours. Specifically, the current 'ubiquitousness' of artificial intelligence (AI) and technological hype centred on quantum technology (QT) are leading states and other actors to invest in these technologies and plan for disruptions in all areas of political, social, and economic activity. Notably, social science and policy-focused research on AI and QT remain separate despite the intersection of these technologies and their complementary nature. The paper examines three contexts: the European Union (EU), Canada, and the United States and compares policy and legislative developments in AI, QT, and their intersection. It finds that AI and QT are largely treated as distinct technologies and approached through different sociotechnical imaginaries, shaping policy interventions in all contexts. This distinction is important because AI and QT developments will likely influence each other in ways that are difficult to anticipate. Governments should consider how regulatory and governance efforts may affect each technology and society's relationship to them.

What is Cybersecurity Governance?: Kristen Csenkey (Centre for International Governance Innovation)
Abstract: The study and practise of cybersecurity governance is increasingly important for academics and policy-practisers alike. Global conflicts are intricately tied with emerging technologies, diverse actors, ideas and objectives all interacting with physical and cyber domains. As a multidisciplinary field of study, cybersecurity governance offers an opportunity to both understand and address emerging cyber policy challenges. This paper advance the study of cybersecurity to show how cyber and technology are linked as governance problems. Using a semi-systematic narrative review of the cybersecurity literature across fields, four themes are identified: governance-as-ordering; the importance of expertise, boundary-making; and linkages between global markets and value creation. This study advances novel cybersecurity governance frameworks with practical and ontological implications for the integration of technology in a global cyber policy context.