Emerging Technologies, Grey Zone Conflicts and Navigating Global Uncertainty

New and emerging technologies – most notably lethal autonomous weapons and the weaponization of outer space – are not only transforming how warfare is or could be conducted in the future, but pose a profound threat to international peace and security. Indeed, the technological arms race has become a defining feature of the growing rivalry among the world’s great powers. How – or whether – humanity governs these technologies has tremendous implications for both the protection of civilians and the future of a rules-based international order.

Project Ploughshares is seeking two Mitacs interns to support the organization’s work in two key areas of research: 1) Security, Environment, and Public Awareness: Engaging Canadians in the Grey Zone; and 2) Canada’s Leadership in a Complex World: Navigating Global Uncertainty with the Rise of Emerging Technologies. The key objectives are (1) a detailed understanding of the rapidly changing nature of conflict as a result of technological innovations, and their impacts on civilians; and (2) identify opportunities for Canada and other middle powers to lead in international arms control fora.

The project is a continuation of the previous project “Emerging Military Technologies and Outer Space Governance” that was funded in 2024 (IT42846).

Faculty Supervisor:

Colleen Loomis;Andrew Thompson;Alistair Edgar

Student:

Partner:

Project Ploughshares

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

Wilfrid Laurier University