Introduction: the struggle for international power and new technologies

Abstract

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is unfolding during a critical period for international society marked by a profound crisis of the liberal world order and a reconfiguration of global power dynamics. Established frameworks, inherited from World War II, are being severely disrupted, leading to an increase in global conTicts, Tashpoints, and international rivalries, along with a decline in cooperation and multilateralism. Technological innovations have become central to global political competition, with major state powers and non-state actors competing for influence and leadership through technology industries. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a focal point of this revolution, encompassing robotization, big data, autonomous vehicles, and social networks, among others. These developments are profoundly transforming production, consumption, communication, and public spaces. The advent of AI introduces new opportunities and challenges, raising ethical debates around issues such as automated governance, liability in autonomous vehicle accidents, and data-driven diplomacy. These developments will shape global stability and security in the next century.