UCIL25011 AND UCIL25021
Geo-political Rivalry: Global Power Struggles in Science and Technology
- Semester 1
- Face-to-face
- 10 and 20 credits
Introduction
Unpack the ways in which technological breakthroughs and scientific leadership shape global power.
This course unit, led by Professor Andrew James, navigates the interplay between science, technology and global power struggles.
Given today’s world events—such as the increasing use of technology in economic statecraft, growing restrictions on scientific research collaboration, and intensifying competition in fields like semiconductors and space exploration—this course provides essential analytical tools to understand and navigate the complex interplay between science, technology, and global power struggles.
- This unit is accessible to undergraduate students from all disciplines, no prior knowledge in science, technology or history is assumed.
About
From AI to biotechnology, explore how tech is reshaping the world.
You will look at the role of science and technology in shaping global power dynamics drawing on:
- perspectives from international security studies,
- history,
- business and management,
- science and technology policy studies.
Using contemporary events, you will analyse how nations invest in and regulate scientific research and technological development to gain strategic advantages and assess the impact of geopolitical tensions on international scientific collaboration and innovation.
You will then critically evaluate the ethical, security, and policy implications of emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and autonomous drones.
Unit details
What should I know about this unit?
Geo-political Rivalry: Global Power Struggles in Science and Technology.
Course Unit Code
UCIL25011 (10 credits) and UCIL25021 (20 credits)
Course Unit Details
- 10 and 20 credits
- Alliance Manchester Business School and School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Level 2
This course aims to:
- Examine the role of science and technology in global power dynamics.
- Explore national science and innovation strategies.
- Evaluate the impact of geopolitical rivalries on scientific collaboration and innovation.
- Assess the implications of emerging technologies in a geopolitical context.
- Develop analytical skills for science and technology policy and strategy.
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
- Understand the geopolitical implications of STI.
- Analyse national innovation systems and international collaboration in global power dynamics.
- Evaluate the economic and social impacts of emerging technologies in geopolitics.
- Develop insights into global governance mechanisms for STI.
- Assess perspectives on technological leadership and geopolitical power.
- Examine the role of technological competition in international security and economic policies.
- Formulate policy recommendations for contemporary challenges in STI geopolitics.
- Conduct analyses of national and international STI strategies using case studies and policy documents.
- Apply interdisciplinary research methods to evaluate technology's impact on international relations and security.
- Communicate complex ideas on STI and geopolitics effectively in written and oral formats.
- Engage in critical discussions, challenging and defending arguments with evidence.
- Develop problem-solving skills relevant to policy, business, and research in global STI governance.
The topics that are covered in this unit include:
- Introduction: What is geopolitics? Why does it matter?
- Geopolitics, National Innovation Systems and the origins of national science, technology and innovation policies
- Techno-globalism, techno-nationalism and national innovation systems
- The globalisation of science: international research collaboration & research security
- Science diplomacy
- Influencing science, technology & innovation policy: the policy process and writing a policy brief
- Technological sovereignty and global supply chain resilience
- The regulation of technology and knowledge: export controls and non-proliferation treaties
- Global capital and national security: foreign direct investment and investment controls
- Global inequality in science, technology and development: the BRICS and the Global South
- How do war and defence stimulate science, technology and innovation?
Weekly two hour session
These sessions will combine an in-person ecture, student-led discussions and case study analysis.
Feedback opportunities:
Alongside feedback during student-led discussions and written feedback on assignments, you will be able to meet the lecturers during office hours or scheduled feedback sessions.
10 credits:
- Essay - 1,200 words - 50%
- Policy brief - 1,200 words - 50%
20 credits:
- Essay - 1,200 words - 25%
- Policy brief - 1,200 words - 25%
- Extended essay / mini research project - 1,500 words - 50%
- Professor Andrew James
- Professor Kieron Flanagan
- Professor Edmond Smith
UCIL units are credit-bearing and it is not possible to audit UCIL units or take them for additional/extra credits. You must enrol following the standard procedure for your School when adding units outside of your home School.
If you are not sure if you are able to enrol on UCIL units you should contact your School Undergraduate office. You may wish to contact your programme director if your programme does not currently allow you to take a UCIL unit.
You can also contact the UCIL office if you have any questions.
How to enrol
UCIL units are designed to be accessible to undergraduate students from all disciplines. Depending on your School enrolment can be completed in one of two ways:
Enrolment using the Course Selection System
You may be able to enrol directly onto a UCIL unit using the Course Unit Enrolment System.
Enrolment via your School
If you cannot see the UCIL unit you wish to study or it is blocked out on the Course Unit Enrolment System you may need to request approval to study the unit directly from your School.
Please get in touch with the UCIL team at ucil@manchester.ac.uk if you have any questions.