Science and Technology Studies (STS) and International Relations
Dian Novikrisna*, Ella S. Prihatini

International Relations Department,
Faculty of Humanities,
Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, Indonesia 11480
*dian.novikrisna[at]binus.ac.id

Abstract

A subfield of sociology known as Science and Technology Studies (STS) is one of the most theoretically dynamic and empirically productive in the social sciences. Its interdisciplinary approach has encouraged fruitful exchanges across academic boundaries (McCarthy, 2013). STS emerged as interest in human understanding of the technologies is growing. As scholars of international relations, we have witnessed the effect of technology in almost every critical event in world politics. The invention of guns, nuclear weapons, drones, biological and chemical weapons, even the Internet gives us evidence of the technological aspect of international history and politics. It has disrupted and elevated the relations among nations and states. Thus, IR theorists utilize the STS approaches to understand this connection better. As one of the products of technological advancement, Internet has been celebrated as the symbol of freedom of information. However, from the sociological and political perspectives of technology, this might not have always been a good sign. I am interested in how technological artifacts are built and the implication of their development in international politics. Whose decisions is it to develop particular technological objects. Is it the designers? The government? The market? What determines the making of those decisions? How should people in the government incorporate technological development in foreign policymaking? Or should they? In this article, I will utilize STS in general and SCOT (Social Construction of Technology) in answering those questions.

Keywords: Science and Technology Studies, international relations, politics

Topic: Economic, Business and Technology