
We are happy and proud to announce REMIT Research has been approved to organise a section at the famed EISA-PEC conference, taking place at the University of Bologna, Italy, from August 25 to 29, 2025. As the details of the section are still coming together, REMIT welcomes everyone to submit abstracts to join us in discussion!
Strategic technologies have become a defining factor in shaping geopolitical rivalries and cooperation in a rapidly evolving global landscape. This section delves into the interplay between technological rivalry, regulatory frameworks, and multilateralism. The panels in this section explore the dynamics between major powers—China, the US, and the EU—as they vie for dominance in key technological domains such as AI, quantum computing, and digital infrastructure, while also addressing the perspectives of other states and regions like India, ASEAN, and Africa. By examining issues like de-risking, digital governance, ethical AI, and tech competition, the section sheds light on the challenges and opportunities of regulating disruptive technologies. It aims to understand whether key actors will compete or cooperate in shaping the global technological order and considers the implications for security, economic resilience, and human rights. Through this multifaceted exploration, the section highlights the need for balanced approaches that foster innovation while addressing ethical and security concerns, offering insights into how strategic technologies are redefining global politics.
The section also emphasizes inclusivity and diversity by engaging scholars at different stages of their careers and by encouraging different perspectives based on gender, identity, institutional background, and nationality. The aim is to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas and lay the groundwork for new research agendas and collaborative initiatives. The panel aims to stimulate a deeper understanding of the technological landscape and its implications for global governance while outlining future directions for scholarly inquiry and policy-making that can continue beyond the PEC conference.
The Section chairs are Prof. Roberta N. Haar (Maastricht University) and Prof. Paul Timmers (University of Leuven).
We encourage papers/panels submissions on the following topics:
1. Entangling international relations and quantum technologies
This panel addresses the relationships between quantum technologies and international relations from structural, normative, and ecosystem perspectives. Interest is rising in the international governance of quantum technologies. Some aspire that quantum technologies will benefit all of humanity globally. The UN has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, while the World Economic Forum has launched a Quantum for Society Challenge related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Others, such as in finance or telecommunications, are exploring how sectoral international relations, such as legal and technical standards, may change in a world of quantum. Yet, others are reflecting on the weaponization of certain quantum technologies in geo-economics and geopolitics and related ethical questions and global norms for responsible state behavior. The panel will provide leading-edge thinking in academia as well as insights into advancements in then industrial-scientific complex developing quantum technologies.
Reputed scholars, including Prof Mariarosaria Taddeo of the University of Oxford, will contribute to this panel on the ethical impact of quantum in defense. Profs Paul Timmers and Joep Crompvoets of the University of Leuven will address structural perspectives on technology and multilateralism. Dr Raluca Csernatoni of the Free University of Brussels will address the quantum and defense nexus. Melissa Hernández of Leiden University will address global standards for quantum applications in finance, Andrea G Rodriguez of ImpaQT will address quantum techno-policy as a practitioner. Contributions include research from the EU REMIT project.
2. De-risking Dynamics: Geopolitical Rivalries in Strategic Technologies
This panel examines the implications of the U.S.-China rivalry in technological innovation, trade, and global supply chains, with a focus on emerging technologies like semiconductors, AI, and quantum computing. It may also consider how the U.S.-China rivalry in tech impacts the EU and other global actors, especially in their attempts to balance security against economic growth. Questions explored could include how the interplay between the US, China, and EU shape regulatory frameworks and innovation strategies.
Scholars who will contribute to this panel include Roberta N. Haar (Professor, Maastricht University), and Ville Sinkkonen (Senior Research Fellow, Finnish Institute of International Affairs), who will contribute with research on U.S. perspectives on the rivalry. Contributions include research from the EU REMIT project.
3. Multilateral Governance in the Age of Disruption
This panel explores the role of international organizations, alliances, and multilateral frameworks in fostering cooperation in the regulation of emerging technologies. The goal of this focus is to further the understanding of the factors limiting or uplifting constructive engagement as the scope of multilateral interactions evolves from narrow-interest groups to inclusive global dialogues. For this purpose, the panel examines how different coalitions of like-minded partners seek to expand support for their technology policy platforms beyond the original group. A key area of interest is how the resulting multilateral interactions between in-groups and out-groups shape possibilities and obstacles for broader multilateral consensus.
Case studies may focus on exchanges across the spectrum of multilateral formats, from value-driven partnerships, including in the Global South, to regional arrangements with shared economic interest, such as ASEAN, as well as the tensions and opportunities that arise from all-encompassing discussions at the UN. Points of analysis may include past and current multilateral efforts to regulate emerging technologies amid rising security concerns. Skepticism in Global South countries toward existing global governance frameworks and its impact on the prospect of multilateral governance could be another viable topic.
Scholars who will contribute to this panel include Dr James Shires and Jakob Bund (European Cyber Conflict Research Initiative/ Virtual Routes), who will address how states’ perception of the strategic and symbolic value of a digital technology influences coalition compositions, shapes the dynamics between coalitions, and defines the potential for multilateral cooperation. Contributions include research from the EU REMIT project.
4. Digital Power and Ethical AI: Competing Visions for Governance
This panel invites papers to explore the ethical and strategic dimensions of AI governance, focusing on competing approaches by the US, China, and the EU, and the implications for privacy, surveillance, and human rights. Papers might investigate the ethical dilemmas in AI, Autonomous Weapons, and quantum technologies, addressing concerns over military applications, surveillance, and regulatory challenges.
5. From Digital Currencies to Biotech: Evolving Domains of Geopolitical Contestation
This panel invites papers that focus on emerging technologies that are rapidly developing as new areas of geopolitical competition, such as Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), clean energy technology, gene-editing, and/or other areas of biotechnology. Papers in this panel could address the dual-use potential of these technologies and their role in shaping geopolitical rivalries, climate change strategies, and public health strategies.
Scholars who will contribute to this panel include Nicholas Thomas (Associate Professor, City University of Hong Kong), Adele Langlois (Associate Professor, University of Lincoln), Catherine Yuk-ping Lo (Assistant Professor, Maastricht University), Hengyi Yang (PhD researcher, Maastricht University), Siyuan Qiao (PhD researcher, Maastricht University), and Nicola Bilotta (Research Associate, European University Institute). Contributions include research from the EU REMIT project.