Research summary
In the “Anthropocene”—the current geological period, marked by significant human impacts on Earth’s ecosystems—the world is shifting toward planetary urbanism, characterized by interconnectedness, globalization, and the increasing prominence of cities in shaping global systems and processes. Pervasive computing, artificial intelligence, and a global environmental crisis are equally potent drivers. Driven by these influences and the need to combat the climate crisis and future pandemics, surveillance is also becoming planetary.
Dr. David Murakami Wood is building on this idea to take studies of surveillance, security and technology in new directions. He and his research team are focusing on “platform cities”—urban areas where digital technologies like surveillance and security systems are integrated into the infrastructure to manage aspects of urban life. They are also exploring links between climate, security and surveillance. Their research involves international collaborations and will lead to policy proposals, articles, books, fiction and short films.