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281. Peace of Mind: Cognitive Warfare and the Governance of Subversion in the 21st Century

Author:
Jean-Marc Rickli, Frederico Mantellassi, and Gwyn Glasser
Publication Date:
08-2023
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Geneva Centre for Security Policy
Abstract:
The 21st century is marked by unprecedented and exponential technological advances. These advances are changing the ways in which states influence, coerce, subvert and wage war, and have democratised access to global means of influence for non-state actors – and even individuals. This has accelerated the prevalence of so-called hybrid forms of warfare. An “age of unpeace” appears to have established itself, with a pervasive sense of both non-peace and non-war. Influence campaigns utilising digitally spread disinformation and instrumentalising social media technologies have proliferated, enhancing ways to target the human mind. Current and future developments in artificial intelligence (AI), cognitive sciences, neurotechnologies, and other related fields will further increase the risks of mass manipulation and lead to the possibility of the militarisation of the mind as the battlefield of the future. The emergence of the cognitive domain as the sixth domain of warfare will lead to the increased conduct of cognitive warfare, which is likely to raise the profile and efficiency of non-kinetic means of subversion over kinetic means of coercion, while benefitting from a lack of international governance. If international governance remains static while these tools advance at great speeds, the international system will lack the frameworks, tools, and understanding needed to govern the means of 21st century subversion. This policy brief explores the emergence of cognitive warfare – which aims at controlling what and how an adversary thinks – and the rise on the international stage of non-kinetic means of subversion enabled by emerging technologies. It proposes the establishment of governance frameworks to regulate the use of emerging technologies for purposes of cognitive warfare with the ultimate aim of subversion. It promotes the concept of “subversion control” in order to prevent the militarisation of the mind. It further recommends the regulation of enabling emerging technologies, such as neurotechnologies and AI, while promoting the enhancement of “societal resilience”, especially in democracies, whose open and digitalised information environments make them structurally more vulnerable to the practices of cognitive warfare. Lastly, the brief seeks to promote more research into the concept of cognitive warfare itself, w
Topic:
Science and Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Cognitive Warfare
Political Geography:
Global Focus

282. Green Hydrogen's Contributions to the Energy Transition: Perspectives and Prerequisites

Author:
Rafaela Guedes, Gregório Cruz Araújo Maciel, Agnes da Costa, André Bello, Cameron Mathie, Fiona Simon, Jorge Camargo, and Luis Viga
Publication Date:
02-2023
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI)
Abstract:
Green hydrogen can potentially offer a decisive contribution to achieve the carbon neutrality required to implement a low carbon economy, which is one of the goals of the Paris Agreement and of other environmental efforts. The event “Green Hydrogen’s Contributions to the Energy Transition: Perspectives and Prerequisites”, organised by CEBRI in partnership with the Australian Embassy, aimed at exploring the perspectives and conditions for hydrogen to serve as a strategic energy vector, focusing specifically on using that technology to store energy cleanly, to produce derivatives, and as an energy source in the absence of more efficient electrification alternatives. This report will summarise the main inputs gleaned from the debate and the resulting recommendations. In May 2022, CEBRI produced a Whitepaper on hydrogen opportunities for energy transition, which gives a first overview of potential uses of hydrogen and of the progress of implementation of that technology in Brazil. This report will complement and update that initial diagnosis.
Topic:
Climate Change, Science and Technology, Carbon Emissions, Hydrogen, Green Transition, and Energy Transition
Political Geography:
South Asia and Brazil

283. Decarbonization alternatives for the maritime sector in Brazil

Author:
Rafaela Guedes, Guilherme Dantas, and Huang Ken Wei
Publication Date:
11-2023
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI)
Abstract:
The report was elaborated in partnership with the Consulate of Norway in Rio de Janeiro. It addresses the economic significance of the maritime transportation sector, how to make it greener, and how Norway’s use of cleaner technologies and fuels in its vessels can serve as an inspiration for Brazil. The main objective of the study is to analyze possible strategies to reduce brazilian maritime transportation emissions, including the use of cleaner fuels and improvements in the energy efficiency of ships.
Topic:
Climate Change, Science and Technology, Maritime, Carbon Emissions, Decarbonization, and Energy
Political Geography:
Brazil and South America

284. Canada Needs Its “New Approach” to Streamline Digital Rulemaking

Author:
Michel Girard
Publication Date:
07-2023
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:
Canada’s current approach to rulemaking is not keeping pace with the deployment of new digital technologies. This paper proposes to modernize the Statutory Instruments Act to bridge that gap, suggesting that mandatory standards, technical specifications and conformity assessment programs should be recognized as statutory instruments alongside regulations. This borrows from the European Union’s “New Approach” established in 1985, whereby regulators can request that EU standards bodies develop mandatory standards as a compliance mechanism to laws, even while legislation is being drafted. Streamlining rulemaking is essential to help manage the harms associated with digital technologies as soon as possible after they are commercialized.
Topic:
Science and Technology, Digital Policy, Standards, and Digital Governance
Political Geography:
Canada and North America

285. AI-Related Risk: The Merits of an ESG-Based Approach to Oversight

Author:
Mardi Witzel and Niraj Bhargava
Publication Date:
08-2023
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has been found to generate value for many firms; however, it also has unintended and undesirable consequences. The reality of AI-related risk has led to the development of AI governance frameworks and calls for greater oversight of the use of AI. The merits of an ESG (environmental, social, governance)-based approach to oversight of AI-related risk are considered in this paper, with a focus on the current trajectory of international sustainability standards development. Despite their differences, AI governance and ESG reporting both seek to address risk in the broadest sense, with proactive and transparent approaches to its management and mitigation. A preliminary set of recommendations for incorporating material AI-related risk into ESG reporting, covering both general or context-setting disclosures and industry-specific disclosures, is provided.
Topic:
Science and Technology, Governance, and Artificial Intelligence
Political Geography:
Global Focus

286. Understanding the Experiences of Dropouts During COVID-19 Pandemic School Closure: A Qualitative Study

Author:
Sonam Wangmo, Dorji S., and Cheku
Publication Date:
06-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
This study explores the teaching learning experiences of school dropouts during pandemic school closure as well as the factors that influenced them to leave the school. The factors affecting dropouts during pandemic school closure were rarely studied in Bhutan. This study employed phenomenology as its method. A total participants of 12 dropouts of the year 2020, four parents, four teachers and four school principals were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. The data was collected with semi-structured interviews consisting of four research questions. The collected interview data was transcribed and analyzed by following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step framework. The findings demonstrate that abrupt school closures necessitated the use of online learning as a means of ensuring that education continued. However, there were concerns about student participation in online learning using digital platforms due to students’ socioeconomic and technological challenges. These challenges were found to have been the cause of their dropping out of the schools. Students’ socioeconomic background of their parents compelled them to provide support to their parents in the socioeconomic activities, thus, impacting their participation in the regular academic activities. According to the interview, variables that contributed to dropouts included socioeconomic issues, unfinished assignments, difficulties understanding lessons, lack of enthusiasm, a lack of smartphones and poor internet connectivity, pregnancy, and relationships. The study also identified online teaching pedagogy employed by the teachers as a significant contributor to student attrition. Though the study is limited to a district, the findings recommend the need to improve technological access, provide digital equipment and reasonably priced internet to underprivileged students and provide professional development programs for teachers on technical skills to improve their competency in using online apps for effective online teaching.
Topic:
Education, Science and Technology, Internet, COVID-19, and Dropout Prevention
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

287. Studying the Post-COVID-19 Landscape of Higher Education in Bhutan: A Systematic Literature Review

Author:
Kinley Rinchen, Vicki Banham, and Sonam Pelden
Publication Date:
12-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
The higher education sector is highly disrupted by the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. The enforcement of social restriction protocols led to the closure of higher education institutions and the shifting of teaching-learning to online classes. Various studies show that the disruption has offered lessons that could improve practices in the postpandemic period. This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on higher education in Bhutan and identify possible areas of improvement in the postpandemic period. It follows PRISMA guidelines to identify and screen studies, followed by a thematic analysis to classify and categorise challenges and opportunities created by the pandemic. A significant finding for Bhutan is that the adoption of digital pedagogy has paved the way for implementing a blended learning system, offering ample opportunities for educational advancement. This system will promote inclusivity as it supports diverse learning groups, helps promote personalised and self-directed learning systems to improve the quality of teaching-learning, and contributes to the development of a culture of lifelong learning. Another notable finding also shows an unprecedented level of priority accorded to the well-being of students and teachers, which is recommended to be sustained. The SLR may contribute to the discussions on education reform that is currently underway in Bhutan.
Topic:
Education, Science and Technology, Higher Education, COVID-19, and Remote Learning
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

288. The geopolitics of technology: How the EU can become a global player

Author:
Julian Ringhof and José I. Torreblanca
Publication Date:
05-2022
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)
Abstract:
Battles in the digital space have taken centre stage in today’s global power struggles. The EU cannot stay aside. To become a geopolitical actor, the EU needs to learn to play global technology politics and should adopt an ambitious digital diplomacy strategy. A digital diplomacy strategy will enable the EU to better defend its values, enhance its security, and foster digital markets at home and worldwide. To counter Chinese and Russian influence in the technology realm, the EU should build digital alliances with like-minded countries. The EU needs to seek greater convergence with the US and other Western allies, and offer the global south an attractive alternative path to digital development. For the European External Action Service and the European Commission to succeed in this task, the concurrence of the EU institutions, the member states, and a variety of private stakeholders is essential.
Topic:
Diplomacy, Human Rights, Science and Technology, European Union, Geopolitics, and Digital Policy
Political Geography:
Europe

289. Iron net: Digital repression in the Middle East and North Africa

Author:
James Lynch
Publication Date:
06-2022
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)
Abstract:
Governments across the world have powerful digital tools to control and repress their populations, ranging from spyware and social media manipulation to facial recognition technology and mass surveillance. Activists are working to protect themselves from such tools, but this is not a fair fight. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the leading exponents of digital authoritarianism in the Middle East. The two states have intensified their collaboration with China and Israel to gain greater access to advanced technologies. The EU has responded to concerns about the risks of new technologies with a raft of regulations on digital markets and services, artificial intelligence, and technology exports. The fact that European governments have been targeted, and implicated, in NSO Group’s Pegasus scandal should sound the alarm about the global threat of digital authoritarianism. The EU should treat the threat as an urgent security and political concern.
Topic:
Security, Science and Technology, Authoritarianism, European Union, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Policy, and Hybrid Threats
Political Geography:
Middle East and North Africa

290. Black Mirror Statecraft: Combating PRC Hostile Social Manipulation and Sharp Power in an Era of Great Power Competition

Author:
Jonathan Lushenko
Publication Date:
02-2022
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Council on International Policy (CIP)
Abstract:
The Netflix television hit Black Mirror postulates a world in which personal mobile devices and other forms of interconnected infosphere technology produce alarming and increasingly animalistic human behavior. In the episode titled “Nosedive,” the main protagonist struggles to boost her social credit score – an algorithmic rating of all daily social interactions – to enhance her socio-economic status, earn special privileges, and sustain access to basic human resources through mostly contrived and inauthentic behavior. At first, this Twilight Zone-type plot seems unbelievable until realizing that a social credit system now exists in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Topic:
Science and Technology, Communications, Governance, and Public Opinion
Political Geography:
China and Asia