Science, Technology, Security Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a key implication of global interdependence on national security?

National security is now dependent solely on military strength.

Interdependence reduces the complexity of international relations.

It makes national security inseparable from global dynamics. (correct)

Global dynamics have simplified the analysis of security threats.

Which of the following approaches focuses on the politics of securitization?

Critical Security Studies (CSS) (correct)

Scenario Building

Environmental Security Analysis

Traditional/Positivist Approaches

How are climate-related issues connected to global stability?

They only impact developed nations.

They have no significant implications for security.

They are solely linked to economic growth.

They can cause migration and conflict over resources. (correct)

What challenge does cybersecurity present to traditional notions of security?

It challenges the state-centric views of security. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of security does Barry Buzan argue should be included alongside military issues?

Environmental security Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following trends emphasizes the importance of individual well-being?

Human and Societal Security Signup and view all the answers

What does decolonizing security studies advocate for?

Inclusive approaches reflecting Global South perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a focus of Strategic Studies in its early development?

Military strategy Signup and view all the answers

What is a major critique of traditional security studies during the post-Cold War period?

They neglect human and environmental security. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable future direction for security studies?

Integrating traditional methods with critical perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

In securitization theory, what is necessary for an issue to be regarded as a security threat?

A speaker must identify the issue as a threat. Signup and view all the answers

Why is multi-actor analysis important in modern security studies?

It recognizes the growing role of non-state actors. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'desecuritization' emphasize?

Moving issues out of emergency frameworks for political negotiation Signup and view all the answers

What significant change in the nature of warfare has been noted in recent times?

The rise of non-state actors and hybrid warfare Signup and view all the answers

Which topic was a central focus during the Cold War in Security Studies?

Nuclear deterrence Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main risks associated with securitizing issues like migration?

Justification of repressive policies Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of contemporary security studies?

It integrates new challenges such as climate change and pandemics. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'broadening' refer to in the context of security studies?

Including environmental and economic risks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'deepening' in security studies?

Considering individual and transnational security concerns. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge currently faced by security studies?

Integration of emerging threats alongside traditional concerns. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of security studies has gained renewed interest due to recent global dynamics?

Great Power politics among major countries. Signup and view all the answers

How have the definitions and practices of security evolved over time?

They have adapted to political, social, and technological changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary goals of modern security studies?

To align analytical clarity with practical relevance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a shift in focus within international security?

Incorporating diverse threats from various sectors. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept describes the framing of issues as 'security threats' to justify extraordinary measures?

Securitization Signup and view all the answers

What did the initial post-Cold War optimism predict?

An era of peace and democracy Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the relationship between economic stability and peacebuilding in security studies?

Development-Security Nexus Signup and view all the answers

What does innovation primarily examine in the context of technology?

The institutions and policies that create new technologies Signup and view all the answers

How does diffusion generally occur according to the content provided?

By emulation, trade, and knowledge transfer Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the events of September 11 have on security perspectives?

They marked a return to narrow military security focused on terrorism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a way technological systems influence global change?

Reducing technological competition Signup and view all the answers

Which development is associated with the resurgence of great power politics?

Russia’s annexation of Crimea Signup and view all the answers

In the 21st century, what characterizes the current security environment?

A blend of traditional and new risks Signup and view all the answers

What does Fritsch recommend for better understanding technology's role in global affairs?

Integrating insights from Science and Technology Studies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT categorized as a non-state actor?

Nation-states Signup and view all the answers

In what way is technology characterized in the provided content?

As an active force shaping global affairs Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges mentioned in shaping current security practices?

Fragmentation of security actors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following relationships is emphasized regarding technology's influence?

Technological evolution and global politics shape each other Signup and view all the answers

What type of research approach does the content suggest for future studies on technological systems?

Historical and case study approaches Signup and view all the answers

What do the theories like Realism and Liberalism provide in relation to technology?

Partial insights but not a full integration of technology Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge of predictive policing mentioned in the context of Germany and Switzerland?

Discrimination and reinforcing power dynamics. Signup and view all the answers

How do researchers redefine predictive policing?

As a socio-technical issue needing ethical oversight. Signup and view all the answers

In the iGEM competition, what strategy did researchers use to navigate stakeholder proximity?

Critical collaboration while promoting reflexive practices. Signup and view all the answers

What outcome did iGEM achieve related to biosafety and biosecurity governance?

It became a testbed for responsible governance and institutional change. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges of critical collaboration in security practices?

Access to closed and secretive security institutions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the article suggest about the success of collaboration between social scientists and security communities?

Success is seen as a process emphasizing shared responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a misconception when engaging with security practices?

Collaboration can sometimes reinforce dominant narratives. Signup and view all the answers

What critical aspect must be maintained in collaborations with security institutions?

A critical distance to avoid co-option. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Summary of "Science, Technology, Security: Towards Critical Collaboration"

This article examines the interplay between science, technology, and security, highlighting the importance of critical socio-technical collaboration.
It merges perspectives from Science and Technology Studies (STS) and Critical Security Studies (CSS) to suggest constructive ways to engage with security communities while addressing inherent challenges.

Key Concepts and Terms

Science and Technology Studies (STS): Focuses on how scientific and technical systems are co-produced with social orders, emphasizing reflexivity and stakeholder engagement to ensure responsible innovation.
Critical Security Studies (CSS): Examines the political and social construction of security, critiquing securitization and highlighting how security practices create and reproduce power relations.
Socio-technical Collaboration: Refers to interdisciplinary partnerships between researchers, scientists, and communities to foster reflexivity, democratic participation, ethical considerations in technology and security.
Technoscientific Security Assemblages: Frameworks through which security concerns are addressed using science and technology, often embedded with political narratives.
Desecuritization: A process where issues are removed from urgent security threats and addressed through standard democratic deliberation.

Case Studies (Vignettes)

Information Warfare (External Commentary): Czech Republic's post-2014 response to Russian disinformation, highlighting the challenge of maintaining critical distance while avoiding the appearance of being co-opted by political agendas.
Predictive Policing (Ethnographic Research): Research in Germany and Switzerland on predictive policing, focusing on concerns of co-option, discrimination, and the need for ethical oversight.
iGEM Competition (Formal Involvement): The International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) competition, as a platform to explore synthetic biology governance and biosecurity, highlighting the challenge of navigating proximity to stakeholders while maintaining critical distance.

Challenges in Collaboration

Proximity vs. Critical Distance: Maintaining a balance between engagement and avoiding co-option.
Reinforcing Dominant Narratives: Avoiding unintentional legitimization of problematic security practices or political agendas.
Access to Security Spaces: The difficulty in engaging with security institutions, which can be closed, secretive, and resistant to external critique.

Conclusions

The article argues for cautious but proactive collaboration between social scientists and security communities.
Critical collaboration creates spaces for dialogue, reflexivity, and addressing power imbalances.
Success is about a process rather than measurable outcomes, focusing on shared responsibility, critical awareness, and alternative problem framings.
Security context are complex and politically charged, but critical socio-technical collaborations remain crucial for responsible inclusive security governance.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the intersection of science, technology, and security, emphasizing the critical importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. It delves into concepts such as Science and Technology Studies (STS) and Critical Security Studies (CSS), revealing how these fields can inform better security practices. Test your understanding of the socio-technical engagement required in today's complex security landscape.