The Geopolitics of Technology Initiative
A research lab supported by the William & Mary Global Research Institute and Yale Policy Institute
Our Mission
The Geo-Tech Initiative is a cross disciplinary student-led research project done in cooperation between the Yale Policy Institute (YPI) and William and Mary's Global Research Institute (GRI). Our goals are to develop research and policy through exploring how emerging technologies are shaping geopolitical, economic, and social structures in the Indo-Pacific region and to develop a community of practice featuring policymakers and experts within this subject area.
Our Founders
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W&M Director
Andy Shufer
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Andy is a sophomore studying International Relations and Data Science at William & Mary, with a specific interest in technology’s role in development strategies and sociocultural interactions. Andy has previously worked as a Senior Research Assistant at AidData leading research on AI investments and geospatial qualities within China’s global development finance. He also worked at the Roosevelt Group, engaging directly with senior-level policy and private partners to provide cutting-edge defense technologies for military communities.
Yale Director
Pranav Pattatathunaduvil
Pranav is a sophomore studying Global Affairs at Yale, with an interest in Indo-Pacific policy as well as the intersection of technology and national security. Since January 2022, Pranav has been interning at the Hudson Institute, where he currently conducts research on South Asia for Ambassador Husain Haqqani and Dr. Aparna Pande. At Yale, Pranav is also the External Partnerships Head of the Yale International Relations Association and is on the Executive Board of the Alexander Hamilton Society. He was one of four recipients of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Scholarship, which is a full-ride merit scholarship to any university in the US.
Our Current Project
Assessing China's Development of Emerging Technologies in the Indo-Pacific
Investment Database
Using AidData's Global Chinese Development Finance Dataset 2.0, we developed a database capturing state-led Chinese tech investments in the Indo-Pacific. This database allows for a comprehensive assessment of China's financing methods, implementation of tech standards, and unique innovation.
Policy White Paper
White paper detailing China's investments on emerging surveillance, financial, and ICT technologies in the Indo-Pacific, with specific focus on how projects are implemented, local impacts, and China's view of tech standards. We aim to derive policy recommendations for the Quad Critical and Emerging Technologies Working Group on how to effectively compete with China in tech development.
Seminar Series
We've hosted a series of seminars, inviting policy and technical experts in the technology and Indo-Pacific policy space to engage with students on relevant topics. Past speakers represent organizations ranging from the National Security Council to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Japan.
We also hosted a 2-day International Technology Competition workshop with the Special Competitive Studies Project.
Apply to Join
We are not accepting new applications at this time. Please check back during the beginning of the Fall 2023 semester for the next round of hiring, we'd love to see your application!