Emerging Technology

Framing ethical perspectives

Emerging Technologies are technologies whose development and/or practical applications are still largely unrealized. Carnegie Council’s events, experts, and initiatives focus on the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies and aim to map the field, illuminate topics requiring further research, and build a diverse community of experts, with the goal of ensuring that these systems are developed and deployed in a just, responsible, and inclusive manner.

Featured Emerging Technology Resources

Artificial intelligence, climate-altering technologies, and more

APR 9, 2024 Video

Algorithms of War: The Use of AI in Armed Conflict

From Gaza to Ukraine, the military applications of AI are fundamentally reshaping the ethics of war. How should policymakers navigate AI’s inherent trade-offs?

MAR 27, 2024 Article

The Specter of EMP Weapons in Space

Visiting Fellow Zhanna Malekos Smith details the danger of electromagnetic pulse weapons. How can nations protect themselves from this catastrophic threat?

Explore Our Emerging Technology Resources

NOV 26, 2013 Podcast

Informing the News: The Need for Knowledge-Based Journalism

Journalists sorely need more expertise in the topics they report on, such as business, education and geopolitics, says Thomas Patterson, Bradlee Professor of Government and ...

Photo of Ricken Patel

NOV 22, 2013 Podcast

Ethics Matter: A Conversation with Online Activist Ricken Patel

A brilliant student, Ricken Patel could have had a stellar career in any field he wished. Instead he chose to live among the poor in ...

CREDIT: &copy; <a href="http://www.ipmglobal.org/">International Partnership for Microbicides</a>.

SEP 26, 2013 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: New Family Planning Technologies Expand Options for Women

New sexual and reproductive health innovations have the potential to revolutionize options for women by diversifying delivery forms, varying product duration, and targeting multiple health ...

SEP 25, 2013 Podcast

The Ethics of Hacking Back: Cybersecurity and Active Network Defense

The Internet is "a global free fire zone," yet it is illegal for companies to hack back against cyber attacks--although rumor has it that many ...

Ten Billion

SEP 15, 2013 Podcast

Ten Billion

Stephen Emmott's short, bold manifesto asks the world to wake up and recognize that not only are the problems we face increasingly interconnected--including energy, climate, ...

CREDIT: &copy; Maria's Libraries.

AUG 5, 2013 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: The Story of Maria's Libraries

Maria's Libraries is redefining what libraries can do for community development through a connected network of libraries across Kenya.

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/arselectronica/7406755166/in/photostream/">Ars Electronica</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

AUG 1, 2013 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: The 'Copter Will See You Now

As countries develop policies for civilian and commercial drones, it is important to apply ethical standards that are permissive of innovation.

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/calwhiz/3163137625/">calwhiz</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

JUL 2, 2013 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: China's Ecological Pivot

The World Cultural Forum held this spring in Hangzhou witnessed what may be an epochal pivot by the Chinese leadership toward an ecological future.

Shibley Telhami

JUN 10, 2013 Podcast

The World Through Arab Eyes: Arab Public Opinion and the Reshaping of the Middle East

While domestic injustices and the information revolution were key factors, Dr. Telhami argues it's impossible to understand the Arab uprisings without also referring to foreign ...

<a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-14060266/stock-photo-sinister-signal-fractal-design.html">Sinister Signal - Fractal Design</a> via Shutterstock

MAY 24, 2013 Article

The U.S., China, and Cybersecurity: The Ethical Underpinnings of a Controversial Geopolitical Issue

Though commonly conceptualized as a strategic geopolitical issue, cybersecurity's underpinnings are comprised by a series of fundamental ethical considerations. Addressing these will provide a better ...