GCTA | University of Bath (UK) & Elon University (US)

The Global Challenge

Emerging technologies are reshaping the landscape of conflict, peacebuilding, and justice at unprecedented speed. Artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons systems, drone warfare, social media, and deepfake technologies are transforming how conflicts are initiated, represented, and resolved. The United States and the United Kingdom hold significant historic and contemporary roles in both the creation and resolution of conflict, as well as in technological innovation. Students at both institutions are coming of age amid rapid geopolitical shifts and technological revolutions that will define their personal and professional futures. Yet traditional peace and conflict frameworks often struggle to keep pace with these accelerating developments. Addressing contemporary questions of justice and global security requires interdisciplinary, collaborative approaches that combine ethical reasoning, technological literacy, and intercultural dialogue. 

The Partnership Response

This VE/COIL collaboration connects Foundations of Peace & Conflict Studies at Elon University with Atrocities, Conflict, Human Rights at the University of Bath under the shared theme Framing the Future of Conflict & Peace. The six-week exchange brings US and UK students together to critically examine how emerging technologies shape contemporary conflict and peace processes.

From the outset, faculty recognized the need to move beyond dense historical case studies toward dynamic, contemporary questions that reflect “the moment.” Working closely with instructional designers, the team developed a structured collaborative module that enables students to analyze ethical, cultural, and disciplinary perspectives on technology’s impact on conflict, justice, and peace.

The shared learning outcomes emphasize:

• Critical evaluation of diverse perspectives on emerging technologies

• Formulation of evidence-based positions on issues such as AI, drones, autonomous weapons, and social media

• Effective collaboration in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams

Module Design

The exchange begins with asynchronous introductions, followed by integrated synchronous sessions in which students engage with contemporary conflict case studies. Using the jigsaw reading technique, students analyze key resources and work toward structured dialogue on questions such as whether autonomous weapons should be banned.

Building on these discussions, cross-institutional teams collaboratively develop and peer-review policy briefs addressing the implications of emerging technologies for governments, international agencies, industry, and civil society. Students present their recommendations to the broader group, articulating both policy proposals and public action steps.

Assessment includes:

• Formal policy briefs

• Group presentations

• Weekly reflective submissions (written or audio)

• A final summative reflection assessed according to institutional criteria

Through this process, students practice collaborative reasoning across national contexts while navigating ethical ambiguity and competing priorities in rapidly evolving technological environments.

Institutional Alignment

The partnership has strengthened institutional capacity to embed COIL within broader strategic priorities at both universities.

At the University of Bath, the project aligns with goals to:

• Expand high-impact international partnerships

• Advance intercultural and digital competencies linked to employability

• Embed sustainability through low-carbon approaches to global engagement

• Increase inclusive access to international learning experiences

At Elon University, the collaboration supports both the University Strategic Plan and Global Strategic Plan by:

• Further internationalizing the curriculum through scalable global engagement

• Expanding sustained intercultural learning opportunities

• Advancing access and inclusion in global education

• Strengthening long-term global partnerships

The module also aligns closely with Elon’s Core Curriculum by advancing curiosity-driven inquiry, research skills, global perspective, ethical reasoning, critical thinking, and professional communication.

Long-term Vision

Beyond immediate student outcomes, this collaboration serves as a model for sustained, technology-focused COIL engagement within peace and conflict studies. By integrating contemporary technological dilemmas into cross-border dialogue, the partnership demonstrates how virtual exchange can prepare students to confront the ethical and geopolitical challenges of the digital age.

The team anticipates continued refinement and embedding of the module as a cornerstone of their respective courses, contributing to institutional strategies for internationalization, inclusive global learning, and digitally mediated collaboration.