Code
MUFE HUM 3403
Level
L3
Field
Sciences humaines
Language
Anglais/English
ECTS Credits
2
Class hours
14
Total student load
40
Program Manager(s)
Department
- Langues et Sciences Humaines
Educational team
Introduction to the module
This module is directly aligned with the competency blocks of the IMT-BS PGE
program, which aims to develop critical awareness of complex technological
disruptions.
Students will be able to:
· Mapping the “Datasphere”: distinguishing the hardware layer
(semiconductors, computing infrastructure) from the cognitive and
software layers of AI;
· Analyzing the “Compute” War and Energy Tensions: Decoding
gigawatt-scale AI infrastructure megaprojects and their impact on
national power grids;
· Assess transatlantic and Sino-American rivalries: Decipher the race for
sovereignty-driven investments and Europe’s institutional responses;
· Understanding cognitive and identity-related tensions: analyzing the
clash between centralized models of global biometric identification and
state-based architectures of digital sovereignty..
Learning goals
- 2. Produire et mobiliser des savoirs hautement spécialisés, issus d’une réflexion critique, et dans un champ d’expertise,5. Élaborer une vision stratégique et innovante, en s’appuyant sur les potentiels de l’intelligence digitale et sur un écosystème favorable
Learning objectives
- 2.1 - Develop a critical awareness of highly specialised knowledge, some of which is at the forefront of knowledge, with a view to formulating innovative contributions to complex issues, in line with the strategic plan of organisations and with scientific
Course Learning objectives
Students will be able to:
· Mapping the “Datasphere”: distinguishing the hardware layer
(semiconductors, computing infrastructure) from the cognitive and
software layers of AI;
· Analyzing the “Compute” War and Energy Tensions: Decoding
gigawatt-scale AI infrastructure megaprojects and their impact on
national power grids;
· Assess transatlantic and Sino-American rivalries: Decipher the race for
sovereignty-driven investments and Europe’s institutional responses;
· Understanding cognitive and identity-related tensions: analyzing the
clash between centralized models of global biometric identification and
state-based architectures of digital sovereignty..
Content : structure and schedule
Session 1: The Web: hybrid warfare and information manipulation
Topics covered:
· Definitions (geopolitics, soft and hard power);
· Cyberspace and the evolution of the web;
· Definition and scope of hybrid warfare in the age of AI (deepfakes, troll
farms, cognitive polarization);
· The clash of the digital giants: the American model vs. the Chinese
model
Session 2: Cognitive tensions: human identity in the face of transnational
platforms
Topics covered:
· Analysis of the European Union’s priority: “The EU Fit for the Digital
Age”;
· Clash of Digital Identities: Analysis of the confrontation between the
European Digital ID model (European digital identity wallet) and global
private initiatives such as Worldcoin’s Orb;
· Identity Sovereignty: Who validates human uniqueness and existence in
the age of AI? Risks of transnational tech companies’ hegemony over
civil registration and sensitive data.
Session 3: The geopolitics of physical infrastructure
Topics covered:
· Strategic resources and the Chinese monopoly ;
· The hardware arms race: the concentration of advanced graphics
processing units (GPUs) and the geopolitics of chips (Taiwan, ASML);
· Physical dependence: undersea cables, China’s digital Silk Roads, and
the vulnerability of data flows.
Bibliography
Session 4: The geopolitics of compute and the energy barrier of AI
Topics covered:
· Massive Infrastructure Projects: An Analysis of the U.S. and UAE
Stargate Projects;
· European AI Factories and Computing Gigafactories;
· The Energy Challenge.
Sustainable Development Goals
Raise awareness of the link between digital and AI infrastructure and energy consumption in order to foster responsible use among users and promote an understanding of global digital issues at the local level (in terms of everyday use)
Number of SDG's addressed among the 17
n°4, 9 et n°12
Evaluation and grading system and catch up exams
Continuous Assessment (40% of the final grade)
· Groups of two students
· Report and oral presentation:
o Penalty: for failure to follow instructions;
o Bonus: for relevant questions during the Q&A session.
Final written exam (60% of the final grade):questions requiring critical thinking and
geostrategic analysis
· Geostrategic questions or case studies to be completed during the
exam.
Textbook Required and Suggested Readings
Books and Reports
· Hérodote journal, “Geopolitics of the Datasphere”
· Reports and analyses from the European Commission
Researchers
· Castellani Lorenzo
· Charbonnier Pierre
· Goddard Stacie
Web sites
· Le Grand Continent
· IFRI - Institut Français des Relations Internationales
Keywords
Power, geopolitics, strategy, AI, cybersecurity, ethics, infrastructure, digital
Prerequisites
Intellectual curiosity about global digital issues; interest in geostrategy