Strands of International Relations scholarship have attempted to develop and theorise the international system from the perspective of the ‘middle powers’ for decades. However, scholars have struggled to agree on the essential dispositional characteristics of this category of actors, stunting theoretical progress. This article advances two arguments. First, I argue the reason for this impasse is that extant scholarship uncritically adopts a ‘category of practice’ as a ‘category of analysis’.

New technologies demand new modes of governance to ensure they have beneficial impacts on societies. In this article, we develop a taxonomy of technology governance forms and consider the strengths and weaknesses of each. In particular, we consider the challenges and opportunities posed by advancing artificial intelligence. Subnational governance is prevalent and mitigates some risks, but it is insufficient when the individual rewards from taking risky actions outweigh normative sanctions.

Discussant: Patrick Gill-Tiney

Co-hosted with Oxford Political Thought Seminar