‘Quad’ nations sign up for meta think-tank to advance ‘Techno-Democratic Statecraft’

2021-02-09 05:01

Universities and think tanks from Australia, the USA, Japan, and India have come together in a new group that together hopes to advance discussions on the intersection of information technology, regional security, and internet freedom.

Dubbed the "Quad Tech Network", the group is managed by the National Security College at The Australian National University, an organisation backed by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

As explained at a launch event today, the Quad Tech Network aims to provide "Regional Track 2 research and public dialogue on cyber and critical technology issues." That's diplo-speak for encouraging think tanks and universities to work on research and policy ideas in the hope that policymakers pay attention.

All participants have published papers, available here, that try to set a baseline for the things Quad members should be doing to enhance security in the region.

Working with the technology industry is also considered, because speakers at the launch noted that it's hard for government to regulate technologies like AI when vendors just go ahead and do whatever they think will sell!

Participants said they hope to involve other researchers and nations, even reaching out to nations that may not share the Quad's values to achieve important goals.

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