UPSC Notes

Geopolitics of Technology

PYQs

11

Articles

2

Momentum

32

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Understanding global power dynamics, India's strategic positioning, implications for India's foreign policy, economic security, and technological self-reliance. It is crucial for navigating international relations and ensuring national interests.

The geopolitics of technology refers to the strategic competition and power dynamics among nations driven by technological advancements, control over critical technologies, and their application in national security, economic influence, and international relations. It involves states leveraging technology for strategic advantage and imposing restrictions to counter perceived threats.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Strategic Competition

Nations vie for dominance in key technological sectors such as AI, 5G, semiconductors, and quantum computing.

Supply Chain Security

Concerns over foreign control or vulnerabilities in technology supply chains lead to protectionist policies and restrictions.

Dual-Use Technologies

Technologies with both civilian and military applications are often subject to export controls and international scrutiny.

Data Sovereignty

States assert control over data within their borders, often leading to data localization policies and digital trade barriers.

Key Players

US, China, EU, Japan, India.

Areas of Competition

AI, semiconductors, 5G/6G, quantum tech, biotechnology, space tech.

Impact

Trade wars, supply chain disruptions, export controls, intellectual property disputes, formation of tech alliances.

Motivation

Economic competitiveness, national security, military advantage, global standards setting.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations
Conceptual areaNational Security
Conceptual areaScience & Technology
Conceptual areaScience & Technology Policy

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
World Trade Organization (WTO)Regulates international trade, often impacted by tech rivalry
Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)Forum for cooperation, including on critical and emerging technologies
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding

Quick revision

  • Technology as a tool of state power and influence.
  • Strategic competition in key tech sectors (AI, 5G, semiconductors).
  • Supply chain security concerns (e.g., foreign components).
  • Trade restrictions and sanctions based on technological advantage.
  • Impact on international relations and national security strategies.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

International RelationsNational SecurityScience & TechnologyScience & Technology Policy

Trump declares emergency over foreign equipment in U.S. power grid

27 Aug 2026 · How technology (e.g., AI, 5G, critical infrastructure components) is used as a tool of state power, leading to strategic competition, trade restrictions, and national security concerns among countries, shaping global alliances and conflicts.

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China, US are in race to connect science with industry. India must catch up

02 Sep 2026 · The strategic competition between major global powers, particularly the US and China, for dominance in critical and emerging technologies, shaping international relations and impacting India's technological trajectory.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 11 linked questions on Geopolitics of Technology in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Geopolitics of Technology

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Consider the following statements : Statement-I: Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the 'Trade and Techn...

2023·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following: 1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 2. Missile Technology Control Regime 3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India is a member ...

2022·International Relations
Solve

The term "two-state solution" is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of -

2018·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS: I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. II. Indonesia has become a ful...

2025·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements: Statement-I : Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe. Statement-II ...

2024·Geography
Solve

Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : | List I (BIMSTEC Centre/Establishment) | List II (Location) | |---|-...

2026·International Relations
Solve

With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements: 1. It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and w...

2022·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following pairs : Country | Reason for being in the news| |- | -| |1. Argentina | Worst economic crisis| |2. Sudan | War between the country's ...

2024·International Relations
Solve

With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements: 1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-mem...

2022·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following countries 1. Armenia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Croatia 4. Romania 5. Uzbekistan Which of the above are members of the Organization of Turkic S...

2022·International Relations
Solve

Which one of the following pairs is **not** correctly matched ? (Indian Army Corps) : (Headquarters)

2026·Science & Technology
Solve

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