By Niyakshi Shah
“The problem is not that we have too much technology, it is that we do not control it.”
—Henry Kissinger
The rapid commercialization of emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology has revolutionized industries and transformed global economies. Yet, this pursuit of progress often feels like opening Pandora’s box—unlocking immense potential while exposing vulnerabilities that adversaries eagerly exploit. From critical data leaks to overdependence on foreign supply chains, the commercialization of technology can leave nations walking a tightrope between innovation and national security.
Unleashing the Threats: The Perils of Commercializing Advanced Technology
When countries commercialize advanced technology, they risk exposing their “crown jewels”—the critical intellectual property (IP) that underpins their strategic and economic power. In pursuit of profit, companies partner with foreign entities or operate in regions with weak IP protections, creating avenues for theft and exploitation. Cyberespionage has become a dominant threat. In 2018, Chinese hackers infiltrated a US Navy contractor’s systems, stealing classified data on submarine warfare technologies. Similarly, academic environments have become soft targets, where open research is exploited to siphon cutting-edge advancements in AI and quantum computing. The 2020 “China Initiative” by the FBI uncovered cases of researchers covertly funneling sensitive information to Chinese entities, bypassing stricter corporate and government regulations.
Supply chain vulnerabilities further deepen these risks. The globalization of production processes, while cost-effective, introduces weak links that adversaries exploit. A stark example lies in the global semiconductor industry. Taiwan, producing over 60% of the world’s semiconductors and 90% of advanced chips, forms a strategic choke point. Disruptions, whether from geopolitical tensions or natural disasters, could cripple critical industries. The 2014 annexation of Crimea and subsequent disruption of Ukraine’s neon gas supply, vital for semiconductor production, exposed how fragile global supply chains are.
Dual-use technologies—those designed for civilian purposes but easily repurposed for military or malicious activities—add another layer of complexity. Huawei, the Chinese telecom giant, has faced intense scrutiny over allegations that its 5G technology could act as a backdoor for espionage. Despite denying these claims, the fear persists that Huawei’s innovations could serve as a Trojan horse, granting foreign governments access to sensitive data. This has led nations like the US and UK to ban Huawei from critical infrastructure projects, prioritizing national security over connectivity gains.
Social media, a byproduct of commercialized tech, has become a breeding ground for disinformation and propaganda. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter, driven by engagement and profit, have enabled foreign actors to manipulate public opinion. During the 2016 US presidential election, Russian operatives weaponized these platforms to sow division and influence voters—a stark reminder that social media is a digital wildfire where misinformation spreads uncontrollably. In April 2023, a criminal complaint was unsealed charging 34 officers from China’s Ministry of Public Security with conspiracy to transmit interstate threats and commit interstate harassment. The group allegedly created thousands of fake online personas on social media platforms to target Chinese dissidents through online harassment and threats, illustrating the use of forged media to suppress dissent and manipulate narratives
Even foreign direct investment (FDI), often heralded as a driver of economic growth, poses risks. China’s strategic acquisitions of Western firms in robotics, AI, and semiconductors—like the purchase of German robotics leader KUKA—have raised alarms over critical technologies slipping into adversarial hands. The US has responded by tightening scrutiny through the Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS), blocking deals deemed threats to national security.
The over-reliance on foreign technologies also erodes national sovereignty. Dependence on foreign-made software or hardware for military operations can create vulnerabilities that adversaries exploit. Recognizing this, India has launched its “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative to reduce dependence on foreign technologies and secure critical sectors, safeguarding both its sovereignty and economy.
High-Tech Warfare: Benefits and Blunders
The integration of advanced technology into defence systems has transformed modern warfare, offering capabilities that were once unimaginable. From artificial intelligence to hypersonic weapons, these innovations have enhanced the precision, lethality, and efficiency of military operations. One of the most significant benefits has been the ability to carry out pinpoint strikes with minimal collateral damage. A prime example is the US military’s use of drones, such as the MQ-9 Reaper, which allows for precise targeting in counterterrorism operations without risking human lives. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide real-time surveillance, ensuring that only high-priority targets are engaged.
Advanced technology has also revolutionized battlefield awareness, with AI and machine learning algorithms helping commanders make quicker, more informed decisions. During the Gulf War, GPS systems, backed by satellite technology, enabled coalition forces to navigate the desert with ease, giving them a strategic edge over their adversaries. Similarly, defence systems like Israel’s Iron Dome employ AI-powered radar and sensors to intercept and neutralize incoming missiles with remarkable precision, saving countless civilian lives.
The rise of unmanned systems and robotics is another game-changer. Robotic dogs, such as those developed by Boston Dynamics, are being tested for reconnaissance missions, capable of navigating dangerous terrains where human soldiers cannot. These unmanned systems are reducing the risks faced by soldiers and enabling missions that were once deemed too perilous. Additionally, the advent of quantum computing promises to revolutionize cryptography, with China’s successful testing of quantum satellites in 2016 allowing for unhackable communication systems, providing a massive advantage in the realm of secure data transfer.
However, while the benefits of advanced technology in defence are undeniable, there are notable limitations and risks. One significant challenge is the enormous cost associated with developing and maintaining cutting-edge military technologies. For example, the F-35 Lightning II program, one of the most advanced fighter jets in existence, has been mired in controversy due to its staggering development costs, projected to exceed $1.7 trillion over its lifespan. Furthermore, the very digital nature of these advanced systems makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks. In 2021, a series of high-profile cyberattacks targeted US defence contractors, underscoring the growing threats to sensitive military technologies.
The rise of autonomous weapons, such as AI-powered drones, also raises significant ethical and legal questions. While these systems are capable of executing high-precision strikes, they may struggle with distinguishing between combatants and civilians, increasing the risk of unintended casualties and war crimes. Over-reliance on technology presents another danger. If critical systems fail, the consequences can be catastrophic. The 2018 Taiwan power outage, caused by a breakdown in imported technology, highlighted the vulnerabilities that come with heavy dependence on sophisticated tech. Such autonomous weapons are also vulnerable to getting hacked and used by the enemy, which again calls for the question, how reliable are they?
Lastly, the rapid proliferation of advanced defence technologies has sparked an arms race, particularly with the development of hypersonic missiles. The US, Russia, and China are all vying for dominance in this area, which has led to heightened global tensions and fears of destabilizing strategic balances. While the potential of advanced technology in defence is immense, nations must navigate the delicate balance between innovation and the risks these technologies bring, ensuring that they are used responsibly and securely.
While advanced military technologies offer unparalleled strategic advantages, they also raise critical concerns regarding international governance and the potential for misuse. The very technologies that enhance military capabilities often outpace the ability of international treaties and agreements to regulate their proliferation, leading to frequent breaches and growing geopolitical tensions.
The Paradox of Technology Control- All Failed International Treaties
International treaties and agreements are meant to serve as safeguards against the unchecked commercialization and proliferation of dangerous technologies, yet history reveals a troubling pattern of breaches and circumvention, often driven by strategic, economic, or military interests. The Wassenaar Arrangement (1996), for example, was designed to regulate the transfer of dual-use technologies that could be exploited for military purposes. However, countries like China have been accused of acquiring sensitive technologies through indirect channels, circumventing these export control frameworks to bolster their own defense capabilities. Similarly, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT, 1968) sought to curb the spread of nuclear weapons, but rogue states like North Korea have consistently violated its terms by advancing their nuclear programs, while Iran has faced scrutiny for leveraging the “peaceful use” of nuclear technology to secretly pursue weaponization.
In the realm of missile proliferation, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR, 1987) has failed to prevent countries like North Korea and Pakistan from developing and proliferating missile technologies, sometimes with the express purpose of deploying them for weapons of mass destruction. The Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement (1995), another attempt at regulating the global commercialization of technology, has similarly been undermined, with countries like India accused of undermining patent protections and facilitating the proliferation of generic drugs, often in defiance of global standards. On the flip side, the West, including the US and the EU, has faced criticism for using intellectual property law as a weapon to limit access to essential innovations, prioritizing corporate interests over equitable distribution.
Other treaties have also been plagued by violations, such as the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC, 1972), which seeks to eliminate the use of biological agents as weapons. Despite being signed by a majority of countries, breaches have occurred, with Iraq’s clandestine biological weapons program during the Gulf War serving as one of the more notable examples. In the case of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (2008), nations like the US and Russia have continued to stockpile and deploy these devastating weapons despite the treaty’s clear ban. Meanwhile, the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT, 2014), which aims to regulate arms sales and prevent their use in fueling conflicts, faces challenges in enforcement, with the US and other powers accused of supplying arms to authoritarian regimes like Saudi Arabia, leading to catastrophic human rights abuses.
Beyond warfare, the commercialization of natural resources has also stirred controversy. The Antarctic Treaty (1959) prohibits military activity and resource exploitation on the frozen continent, yet concerns about mining for valuable minerals persist, fueled by rising global demand. The Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (2002) and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982) are similarly undermined by states like China, which have flouted international norms in the South China Sea and in the development of ballistic missile technologies. These examples illustrate the tension between global agreements designed to curb the misuse of technology and the relentless pursuit of national interests, often at the cost of international cooperation.
Even the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA, 2001), intended to preserve biodiversity and ensure food security, faces challenges as some countries exploit genetic resources without providing fair compensation. The US has come under fire for its promotion of genetically modified crops, which many argue undermines agricultural sovereignty in developing nations. Lastly, the Geneva Conventions (1949), while a cornerstone of international humanitarian law, have been violated in numerous conflicts, such as the Syrian Civil War, where all sides have been accused of using chemical weapons and engaging in indiscriminate violence against civilians. Even the U.S. has faced accusations of violating the Conventions through drone strikes that cause unintended civilian casualties.
Conclusion
In the end, the commercialization of technology is like a double-edged sword—unleashing unparalleled progress and prosperity, but also opening the door to a host of risks that threaten us on every level. National security, global stability, and even human rights are all at stake as nations scramble to harness the power of advanced tech. History has shown us that the very treaties and agreements meant to shield us from these dangers are often weakened by national self-interest and enforcement loopholes. Innovation and economic growth should never come at the expense of global security, human well-being, or the environment. Right now, we’re standing at a crossroads, and the stakes are higher than ever. So here’s the real question: Have we truly tamed technology, or are we just sitting on a ticking timebomb, waiting for the wrong spark to set it off? It’s up to us—governments, industries, and individuals alike—to balance the pursuit of tech for the greater good with the responsibility of safeguarding our world from its darker side. Only through stronger global cooperation, ethical foresight, and a commitment to accountability can we ensure that the tech of tomorrow doesn’t end up becoming the crisis of today. The path ahead may be full of challenges, but the future is ours to shape—with wisdom, responsibility, and a deep sense of what’s at stake.
—Niyakshi Shah is a first-year BCom LLB (Hons.) student of Jindal Global Law School