Emerging Technology

Framing ethical perspectives

Emerging Technologies are technologies whose development and/or practical applications are still largely unrealized. If left unchecked, these technologies could exacerbate inequality and empower autocrats, destabilize society, and destroy the concept of privacy. Carnegie Council’s events, experts, and impact initiatives, such as the Artificial Intelligence & Equality Initiative (AIEI), 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 AI is 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

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 ...

CREDIT: Julie Larsen Maher &copy; <a href="http://www.wcs.org/">WCS</a>.

MAY 17, 2013 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: Using SMART Technology to Stop Wildlife Poachers

Several major wildlife organizations collaborated on a free, open-source Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool to help park rangers improve their anti-poaching patrols.

To Save Everything, Click Here: The Folly of Technological Solutionism

APR 16, 2013 Podcast

To Save Everything, Click Here: The Folly of Technological Solutionism

Very soon, "smart" technologies and "big data" will allow us to make sophisticated interventions in everyday life. Technology will create incentives to get more people ...

Anti-Morsy Graffiti.CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/drumzo/8264591190/">Jonathan Rashad</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/deed.en"">CC</a>)

APR 9, 2013 Article

Why Dictators Don't Like Jokes

Pro-democracy activists around the world are discovering that humor is one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against authoritarianism.

MAR 21, 2013 Podcast

The Measure of Civilization: How Social Development Decides the Fate of Nations

Ian Morris demonstrates that social development can be measured across thousands of years. Based on past trends, what can we expect in the future? For ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/internewseurope/7887054738/">Internews Europe</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

MAR 21, 2013 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: Innovation to the Rescue: New Ideas and Tech for Helping Refugees

The UN refugee agency is adopting an innovation-centered approach in pursuit of better services, products, and outcomes for displaced populations.

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/deadair/5841473244/">Ricardo Wang</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>)

MAR 8, 2013 Podcast

Ethics Matter: A Conversation on Bioethics with NASA's Paul Root Wolpe

In this eye-opening conversation, renowned bioethicist Dr. Wolpe grapples with the ethical issues raised by advances in biotechnology and neuroscience, including "brain fingerprinting" and eventual ...

FEB 19, 2013 Podcast

Public Affairs: China's Search for Security

In this masterly and comprehensive talk, Andrew Nathan looks at the world from Beijing's viewpoint and sees a very challenging environment for China. He identifies ...