Description
This paper investigates the adoption of Virtual Reality (VR) technology by three United Nations organisations through the theoretical framework of Actor-Network Theory (ANT). It focuses on three case studies across the UN ecosystem, each representing a specific function of VR: Multi-user Virtual Environments (VEs) for virtual interaction, cinematic VR for awareness-raising, and VR training simulations. Rooted in Science and Technology Studies (STS) and increasingly applied in IR, ANT provides a means to theorise the sociotechnical relationships that arise between human and non-human actors within a network, awarding technology with agentic qualities. As the interaction between the material and social aspects of VR technology and UN operational practices is investigated, this paper will highlight the constraints, alterations, and enhancements that the technology brings to IOs' work.
The author seeks to answer the following research questions: How does the adoption of VR technology at UN agencies impact IOs' operational practices? And what are the broader implications of VR adoption for understanding change in IOs' practices in a digitalising international sphere?
To answer the above questions, the study employs a qualitative methodology, triangulating data from semi-structured interviews, virtual observations, and the analysis of relevant documents. This study contributes to the emerging body literature on ANT in IR, to studies on IO change and innovation, digital diplomacy, ICT4D, as well as the broad literature on immersive technologies, thus providing insights into the future of development work.
