Theory is Technology; Technology is Theory

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapterResearch

New technology is undoubtedly changing world politics. But does this necessarily require new theories? In this interview, we explore the challenges facing a (political) theory of technology and how to understand the novelty of technologies such as Big Data. Ole Wæver recounts his early interest in technology and how theorizing technology demands that we look at different kinds of acts. Some of the main challenges include unintended effects and the assessment of decisions made within complex systems. We go back to Langdon Winner’s early work on the political character of technology, and discuss why his ideas might be more valuable than concepts often subsumed under the heading of ‘New Materialism’
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTechnologies of International Relations : Continuity and Change
EditorsCarolin Kaltofen, Madeline Carr, Michele Acuto
Place of PublicationCham, Switzerland
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Publication dateNov 2018
Pages13-23
ISBN (Print)9783319974170
ISBN (Electronic)9783319974187
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2018
SeriesPalgrave Pivot

    Research areas

  • Faculty of Social Sciences - philosophy of technology, world politics, Transformative technologies, new materialism, science and technology studies

ID: 202492054