International Relations Theories and the Impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Global Affairs

This chapter provides a general assessment of how technology has been impacting the study of International Relations (IR), especially addressing the influence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The latter is posing significant shifts in (inter)national economic and political dynamics because of the emergence of new disruptive technologies that span the physical and digital worlds. IR theory must continue to explore techno-politics to deepen the intersection between IR and science and technology studies (STS), which is fundamental to understanding and explaining the current international system. Finally, it shows how, despite the transnational nature of technological issues, rising techno-nationalism is contributing to reducing international cooperation and reinforcing the crisis of multilateralism.