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851-0657-00L 2 Credits DS D-GESS
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Digital Technologies and Armed Conflict

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Fritz Brugger, Mauro Vignati
VVZ CR 4.0

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:34:02

Abstract

Digital technologies are increasingly present in the context of armed conflicts, and they are primarily provided by private technology companies. This course presents current trends, analysing the risks involved in the digitisation of conflicts, both for civilians (as means and victims) and for private technology companies as the main actors of this transformation.

Objective

Students will learn how digital technologies are impacting modern conflicts and what are the actual and future trends in this domain. Students will focus on the implications for tech companies, understanding the new challenges from a technological, policy and legal perspective.

Content

1. Technology in Warfare and the Dual-Use Dilemma 2. Technology in Humanitarian Action 3. International Humanitarian Law IHL 4. AI and Warfare 5. Hybrid and Unconventional Warfare, focus on Cognitive Warfare 6. Technology Companies and Armed Conflict 7. Digital Risks in Armed Conflicts and the Human Costs 8. Cyber Operations in Armed Conflict 9. Responsible Tech in Humanitarian Settings 10. Legal Challenges and Potential Future Scenarios

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DS

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Digital
The examination takes place on your own device. No installation of SEB required.

Registration & Places

Max Places
270

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Digital Technologies and Armed Conflict
  • Thu 12:15-14:00 (NO C 60)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Wissenschaft im Kontext (Science in Perspective) (In Kursen aus dem Programm “Wissenschaft im Kontext” lernen Studierende, die MINT Fächer der ETH aus der Perspektive der Geistes-, Sozial- und Staatswissenschaften zu reflektieren. Nur die in diesem Abschnitt aufgelisteten Fächer können als "Wissenschaft im Kontext" angerechnet werden.)
    • Typ A: Förderung allgemeiner Reflexionskompetenz (WiK-Kurse werden für Bachelorstudierende nach dem ersten Studienjahr sowie für alle Masterstudierende und Doktorierende empfohlen. Alle WiK-Kurse sind in Typ A gelistet. Bei den unter Typ B aufgeführten Kursen handelt es sich lediglich um Belegungsempfehlungen für bestimmte Departemente.)