Disruptive Technology and Geopolitical Upheaval: A Graduate Papers Workshop

Join the Institute for Humane Studies for a two-day, in-person graduate papers workshop on "Disruptive Technology and Geopolitical Upheaval," hosted in partnership with Dr. Christopher Whyte (Virginia Commonwealth University), Dr. Jenny Jun (Georgia Institute of Technology), Dr. Harry Oppenheimer (Georgia Institute of Technology), and Dr. Nadiya Kostyuk (Carnegie Mellon University). Held in Richmond, Virginia, on July 8–9, this workshop offers PhD students and postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to present paper drafts and receive detailed, constructive feedback from peers and faculty discussants.

We welcome research examining how social, political, economic, and security actors navigate moments of rapid technological and geopolitical change. This includes work on the weaponization or disruption of critical infrastructure, the implications of emerging and disruptive technologies, cyber conflict and information operations, the intersection of digital transformation and great power competition, and related topics exploring how states, institutions, and non-state actors adapt to or are destabilized by technological upheaval in the contemporary international order.

Participants will deepen their research, engage in substantive discussions, and connect with a community of scholars investigating the dynamics of technology and geopolitical change. IHS will provide all participants with a $200 honorarium and a stipend to offset transportation and travel-related meal expenses. Two nights of lodging and all meals during the workshop itself will be provided by IHS.

Expert Panelists

Christopher Whyte (Virginia Commonwealth University)

Jenny Jun (Georgia Institute of Technology)

Harry Oppenheimer (Georgia Institute of Technology)

Nadiya Kostyuk (Carnegie Mellon University)

Schedule

Wednesday, July 8

6:30 PM | Welcome Dinner

Thursday, July 9

9:00 AM | Breakfast and Opening Remarks

9:15 AM | Paper Sessions

12:15 PM | Lunch Break

1:15 PM | Paper Sessions / Coffee Breaks

5:00 PM | Closing Remarks

6:00 PM | Closing Dinner