2025/2026 - HSS_3TC49_TP - Séminaire 4_Imagining technologies for peace

Technology is not neutral. Past technological innovations have often been developed in the context of the military-industrial complex, such as the internet or GPS. Other dual-use technologies have been misused for harm, like nuclear technology. In this seminar however, we would like to imagine technologies purposely designed for peace. Combining social theory and specific examples, this seminar invites a discussion on purposeful design of technologies for peace.
Through case studies, we explore where technologies have served social justice and peacebuilding. We will critically analyse both successes and failures of technology to contribute to a peaceful and equitable society, investigating how technologies intended for good can reproduce harm, and how military or commercial tools have been creatively reappropriated by communities to fulfil a specific need. Students will engage with questions such as: What does it mean to design for peace rather than security? When did technologies serve justice, and when did they reproduce harm? How can we imagine technology for peace? Students will develop frameworks for evaluating technology's role in conflict and peace, and practice ‘Future Thinking’ for technology for peace.