Post Doctoral Researcher for the Geode Project (Geopolitics of the Datasphere) – University of Paris 8 (M/W)

GEODE brings together researchers in geopolitics, geography, law, mathematics, computer science, history, sociology, and philosophy from Paris 8 University, INRIA, the Saint-Cyr-Coëtquidan Military Academy, the University of Savoie, ENS, Paris Cité University, the University of Bretagne Occidentale, the University of Bourgogne, Bordeaux Montaigne University, INALCO, and IRSEM.

The scientific ambition is twofold:

On one hand, it involves using the resources of the datasphere to conduct geopolitical analysis, specifically by developing tools to collect, process, and utilize large amounts of data related to the datasphere, and by proposing new methods for mapping physical spaces based on the integration of spatialized and non-spatialized data.

On the other hand, it seeks to study the datasphere as a geopolitical object, analyzing the defense and security issues it encompasses to inform comprehensive strategic thinking that considers the strong interconnection of civil, industrial, and military issues. This objective includes developing specific mapping to better understand and represent the datasphere.

GEODE's research focuses on the following topics:

1. Mapping the datasphere

 Our research aims to develop tools to better understand and represent this environment and what takes place within it. This includes regional approaches to digital space, data flows, logical and physical routes, social networks, and more. We develop innovative representation methods such as virtual reality. This research also allows us to continue producing knowledge in an increasing number of fields where access is limited or impossible.

2. Cyber Warfare and Digital Operations: Actions, operations, and confrontations in digital space
The datasphere is an object, theater, and vector of attack in geopolitical conflicts amid heightened geopolitical tensions and the resurgence of high-intensity conflicts. Geopolitical analysis considers the perspectives and interactions of actors; power rivalries and conflicts of interest; strategies and modes of operation; and power relations and strategic issues at various levels of analysis.

3. Cyber Policy and Digital Affairs: Policy, Legal, Ethical, and Democratic Issues 

The datasphere presents new challenges for collective security, economic prosperity, democratic values, and state sovereignty, including :

- International regulation to ensure peace and stability in cyberspace amid the proliferation of offensive tools and operations;

- Conflicts of jurisdiction between states or between states and the private sector, and the transformation of state powers in response to the power of intermediation platforms;
- The development of technologies (cryptography, generative AI, 5G, cloud) and digital infrastructures, their use for strategic purposes, and related regulations;
- Digital sovereignty issues and strategies in a context of strategic competition;
- Ethical, legal, and democratic challenges in an environment that gives a multitude of actors unprecedented access to personal data.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Research activities, tasks and expected results

-    Name of the project: GEODE

-    Research activities / Content of the research project

Ø  Research on the strategic challenges of the digital revolution

Ø  Participation in scientific conferences and events in France and abroad

Ø  Publication of academic papers

Ø  Participation in organizing events that promote the research conducted within GEODE (seminars, woskhops, conferences)

-    Expected results

Ø  To be defined with the laboratory director at the start of the contract, based on the research project

All travel related to the position will be covered by the laboratory.