Course syllabus The Geopolitics of Artificial Intelligence

180 credits of which 90 credits must have been obtained in subjects in the social sciences or the humanities. English proficiency equivalent to English B or English 6 is also required.

In this course, the student critically examines artificial intelligence as a new domain of geopolitical contestation. Following an initial grounding in the foundational technical concepts and the historical development of AI, the student analyses how these technologies are transforming traditional concepts of security, sovereignty, and power. The student explores the growing strategic applications of AI in national security, military competition, and informational rivalries in a context of rising global tensions and conflict. The student also learns about the geopolitical struggle for technological leadership, data and computing resources, and regulatory governance in the development of AI, with attention paid to the complex entanglement of state and non-state actors. Through examining current policy debates and relevant academic literature, the student gains insights into the contemporary disruption of traditional power balances by artificial intelligence technologies and the implications for global stability.

The course combines lectures, interactive seminars, independent study, with an on-campus written examination. Lectures introduce essential concepts and theories to enhance the student's engagement with course materials. Compulsory seminars require active participation from the student and serve to deepen their understanding of key readings, themes, and debates.

Type of instruction 

Lectures, seminars, independent study.

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping international relations and global geopolitical competition

Competence and skills 

• call upon a working understanding of the technological basis of artificial intelligence and independently apply relevant concepts and theories to the analyses of its impact on international power dynamics

Judgement and approach

• assess the motivations and evaluate the consequences of geopolitical choices in the development, application, and regulation of artificial intelligence in international relations.

Assessment is through an on-campus written exam, as well as active participation in mandatory seminars.

The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments in order to achieve a passing grade on the course. Supplementary assignments must be completed no later than three working days after the notification of any supplementary assignment, unless there are special reasons approved by the examiner.

Grading

The student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG). Grading criteria are provided at the start of the course.

To obtain the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) in the course, the student must actively participate in the mandatory seminars and obtain a grade of Pass with Distinction for the on-campus written examination.

To obtain the grade Pass (G) in the course, the student must actively participate in the mandatory seminars and obtain a grade of Pass for the on-campus written examination.

Restrictions in Number of Examinations

There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.

When the course is no longer offered or when the course content has changed substantially, the student has the right to be examined once per semester during a three-term period in accordance with this syllabus.