OAGR 2140 - The Role of New Technologies in Warfare

***UPDATED for 2025/26***

In this seminar, we will study how new technologies are influencing warfare. After a short discussion of past military-technological developments and the conceptual lenses through which one can research new military technologies, the course will look at the impact that current technological developments such as drones and artificial intelligence have on modern war. We will identify the direct military impact, as well as broader (geo)political developments linked to the rise of certain technologies. Questions such as What role does Europe play in the military-technological competition? Which other players are empowered by new technologies? will be discussed. Lessons will also be drawn from current conflicts, most notably the war in Ukraine.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• . Understanding of the revolution in military affairs concept
• Knowledge of current technological development
• Understanding of the larger geopolitical context of military-technological developments

Oral feedback (without exact grade) immediately following the group presentations

Written feedback on the take-home papers

Further feedback during the course of the semester if considered necessary

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Online learning activities:
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 3 hours a week / 36 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 4 hours a week / 48 hours a semester