Technology and Statehood

Research Group

Regine Paul

Technology and Statehood explores articulations of competition statehood in global tech races comparatively across time, space, and specific technologies. Three broad research intuitions guide the group’s work: (1) states co-shape technology races in institutionally and ideationally variable ways when they navigate the complex of multiple and conflicting economic, political, and societal rationalities in their tech competitiveness projects; (2) technologies are  not neutral but their inbuilt affordances and politics shape paths for state action; and (3) colonial relations of power and hierarchy in global capitalism connect specific empirical articulations of tech competition statehood – as institutionally and ideationally different as they might be – across time and space. Of special empirical interest is the public governance of and with artificial intelligence technologies, quantum computing, digital twins, and de-extinction biotechnology in post-colonial contexts such as Brazil, India, or Kenya, but also less researched parts of Europe. 

The group was launched in October 2026 and is currently still being established. Further information will follow soon.

Max Planck Artificial Intelligence Network (MP-AIX)

The MPIfG is now part of the Max Planck Artificial Intelligence Network (MP-AIX), which supports excellent young researchers to carry out research on the development and application of AI methods by connecting them to advisors across the Max Planck Society. In the network’s 2027 PhD program, Regine Paul, leader of the Research Group on Technology and Statehood, is a faculty member and can be named by applicants as an advisor.

We welcome applications from candidates with a focus on real-world AI applications and methods and a social science research interest. Candidates should additionally outline their plan for a guest stay at another MPI where more technically oriented AI research is conducted. Please apply by October 31, 2026.

Further information on the PhD program and the application process can be found on the MP-AIX website.

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