PUBPOL 5463

Tech Policy for Executives

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

This elective sits at the intersection of emerging technologies, politics, and national and global security. Modern conflict is characterized by remotely-controlled capabilities enhanced with Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as unmanned aerial systems or drones. Drones are thought to reconcile military effectiveness with unintended consequences. They help keep soldiers safe and through their surveillance enable operations that potentially reduce civilian casualties. At the same time, they increasingly threaten countries’ domestic security. For democratic political regimes, especially, protecting against drones presents complicated policy issues for national security. This course is designed to develop and strengthen students’ understanding of core international relations theory, which underwrite policy options to address the challenges of emerging technologies. Students’ will apply this foundation to analyze the implications of emerging technologies for national and global security. This broader understanding will enable students to evaluate and design policy options to address the challenges imposed by emerging technologies, in both domestic and international contexts. Knowledge gained from this course will enhance students’ ability to engage in key policy debates surrounding emerging technologies, which is critical for democratic accountability and public oversight.

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

Learning Outcomes

• Understand and evaluate international relations theories.
• Analyze the policy challenges of emerging technologies.
• Translate policy challenges for policymakers.
• Create a policy brief.

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