Quantum Technology Hype and National Security

Technology hype is an important concept in business, marketing, and science and technology studies. But it is rarely related to security studies. What is technology hype, and how does it relate to national security? This chapter examines rational and performative perspectives on hype. Adopting the latter view, the chapter compares and contrasts hype cycles with threat inflation and securitization theory. It then sketches the author’s theory of technology hype as common in national security with variable acceptance, familiar content, and significant consequences. A case study on quantum technologies provides proof of concept. The chapter finds ample evidence of hype over quantum computers, communications, and sensors; audience acceptance in the national security community varies with familiarity; and consequential decisions appear to follow. While cyclical expectations suggest caution when citing quantum technologies in support of quantum approaches to International Relations, a middle-range theory about technology hype provides useful insight into security practice.