The Sixth Domain: Tech, Power, and the New Geopolitics Artwork

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"An Outside Context Problem was the sort of thing most civilizations encountered just once, and which they tended to encounter rather in the same way a sentence encountered a full stop." — Iain M. Banks, Excession. This podcast discusses challenges that fall into the outside context with the innovators and visionaries who are the forefront of technological change. It considers the big picture of technology, and why this matters for the future of human civilisation.

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The Outside Context

The Sixth Domain: Tech, Power, and the New Geopolitics

April 08, 2026 • Jannah Patchay & Elise Soucie Watts • Season 1 • Episode 15

0:00 | 50:31

In episode 15 of The Outside Context, co-hosts Jannah Patchay and Elise Soucie Watts welcome Melanie Garson, an Associate Professor in International Security & Conflict Resolution at UCL as well as the Founder of GeopolitIQ, to discuss the intersection of technology and geopolitics. They explore the evolving landscape of tech geopolitics, the challenges of digital sovereignty, and the implications of cyber resilience in modern defence. The conversation dives into the future of warfare, the role of tech companies as geopolitical actors, and the importance of fostering resilience in individuals as we navigate an uncertain technological future.

Key Takeaways

Tech and geopolitics are increasingly intertwined, with technology shaping global power dynamics.
Digital sovereignty poses significant challenges in a globalised world.
Cybersecurity requires collaboration and information sharing among nations.
The rise of AI and autonomous systems is transforming the defence landscape.
Countries must prioritise their digital infrastructure to ensure national security.
Tech companies are gaining power and influence in international relations.
The future of warfare includes information warfare and cyber-attacks.
Building resilience in individuals is crucial for navigating technological advancements.
Optimism exists for the future IF we manage technology responsibly.

Chapters

00:00 - Welcoming Melanie Garson

04:01 -Understanding Tech Geopolitics

10:46 - Digital Sovereignty and its Challenges

17:41 - The Evolving Cyber Landscape

22:30 - The Future of Warfare - and Information Warfare

28:45 - Tech Powers and Geopolitical Dynamics

35.12 - Optimism for the Future of Technology

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