Technologie als Quelle systemischer Transformationsprozesse: Implikationen fur die Theoriediskussion im Fach Internatioanle Beziehungen

In: Osterreichische Zeitschrift fur Politikwissenschaft, Band 34, Heft 2, S. 133-146

Abstract

Although technology's increasingly importance in many areas of international relations/international political economy, it still plays a minor role in theoretical discussions within International Relations/International Political Economy. Even though, technology seems to be jointly responsible for major transformations of the international system (e.g. globalization, transnationalization), it is mostly conceptualized as a passive, exogenous & apolitical factor, affecting the international system from outside. Instead, the article argues that technology in its various manifestations & consequences should be understood as endogenous, influential & highly political factor, which is inherent to the international system. Furthermore the article suggests that, more & more, technology & its system wide effects can only be (re)regulated at the global level. The article's main focus of attention becomes the attempt to point out, how the incorporation of technology-related discussion results of neighbour disciplines (e.g. philosophy of technology, sociology of technology, history of technology) can enrich the analytical strength of theories of International Relations. 70 References. Adapted from the source document.