Great Power Politics in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

In this review of Great Power Politics in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Glenn Diesen offers a focused assessment for readers interested in how technological change reshapes state behavior. The book is best for scholars, policy analysts and advanced students who want a geoeconomic lens on AI, national tech ecosystems and cyber-warfare; its single biggest reason to read is the author rgument that technological dependence will force states into more active economic and social intervention than seen in previous eras.

Key Features

• Neoclassical global approach: Diesen frames great power competition through economic and political incentives that clarify why states may prioritize technological sovereignty.
• Focus on AI and automation: The book explains how automation alters economic structures and creates strategic vulnerabilities that governments must manage.
• Technological ecosystems analysis: Readers get a discussion of national and localized ecosystems that influence supply chains and innovation policy choices.
• Cyber-warfare implications: The author links cyber capabilities to state power, showing how digital conflict reshapes diplomatic and military priorities.
• Policy-oriented narrative: Diesen argues that increased reliance on technology compels states toward direct economic intervention and social policy change.

Who It's For

This book is tailored to readers who already have grounding in international relations or political economy and want a targeted study of how the fourth industrial revolution affects state behavior. It serves well as recommended reading for graduate seminars, government analysts tracking technology policy, and informed general readers curious about geoeconomics.

Those seeking a primer on AI programming, a technical manual of cyber operations, or a broad popular history of technology should look elsewhere; Diesenocuses on political and economic implications rather than technical detail or step-by-step cyber guidance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear linkage between technological dependence and state intervention, useful for policy debates and research.
• Thoughtful treatment of national technological ecosystems helps readers understand strategic choices over supply chains.
• Relevant discussion of AI and automation effects on labor and economic structure that frames future governance challenges.

Cons

• The book is analytical rather than technical, so readers expecting deep engineering or coding insight will find it limited.

Specifications

Title	Great Power Politics in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Author	Glenn Diesen
Subject	Geoeconomics, technological sovereignty, great power politics
Focus topics	AI, automation, national technological ecosystems, cyber-warfare
Approach	Neoclassical, global political economy analysis
Intended audience	Scholars, policy analysts, advanced students

Our Verdict

Great Power Politics in the Fourth Industrial Revolution is a concise, policy-focused examination of how technological change forces states to intervene economically and socially. Readers interested in the geoeconomic consequences of AI and cyber-warfare will find it good value for its strategic framing and clear policy relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book explain technical AI methods?
The book discusses AI s a strategic and economic force rather than offering technical or programming instruction.

Who should read this for policy purposes?
Policy analysts, government advisers and graduate students studying international political economy will get the most direct use from its arguments.

Is the focus global or regional?
Diesen uses a global, neoclassical approach, discussing national and localized technological ecosystems within an international framework.