Quantum computing is emerging as a transformative technology with profound implications for global security, strategic competition, and international order. This panel brings together experts in quantum science, strategy, and international relations to examine the meaning of quantum supremacy beyond its technical definition. We will explore how quantum intersects with classical IR theory—shaping deterrence, balance-of-power dynamics, alliance cohesion, and technological governance. Discussions will probe whether quantum advances could upend existing asymmetries and how theories of security dilemmas, technological diffusion, and institutional resilience help us anticipate their geopolitical consequences. By fusing insights from cutting-edge research in physics with frameworks from political science, the panel asks: will quantum technologies reinforce existing structures of power, or catalyze disruptive shifts in the architecture of international relations?

Speaker Bios:

Dr. Simson Garfinkel is the Advising Chief Scientist for BasisTech. An internationally recognized expert in the area of digital forensics, Garfinkel’s research publications include computer security, privacy, and policy issues pertaining to quantum information science. A fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Association for Computing Machinery, and the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Garfinkel has authored or co-authored more than 70 peer-reviewed academic articles. His most recent book, Law and Policy for the Quantum Age (co-authored with Chris Hoofnagle), explores for a non-technical audience the defense, intelligence and commercial impact of quantum information science, including quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum cryptography.

Professor Michael Holynski is Principal Investigator at the UK Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing, where he helps to drive the translation of quantum sensing, imaging and timing devices into technology and applications across a diverse number of sectors, including climate, communications, energy, transport and urban development. Michael is also Professor of Quantum Sensing in the Cold Atoms research group, part of the Midlands Ultracold Atom Research Centre. Michael was awarded the 2022 Institute of Physics James Joule Medal and Prize for his contributions to the development of quantum sensors, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics.

Mauritz Kop is the founder of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology, a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, and a guest professor at the United States Air Force Academy. He supports deep-tech startups through RQT Ventures, serves as expert on the von Neumann Commission, is director at AIRecht and co-founder of Daiki. Mauritz’s interdisciplinary research spans AI, intellectual property, national security, quantum technology and grand strategy. His work has been published in scholarly journals by Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and in leading outlets such as Nature, Science, Foreign Policy and Fortune.

Angus Lockhart is Chief Operating Officer at SECQAI, a groundbreaking British semiconductor and AI company which is pushing the boundaries of secure computation from the data centre to the edge. He is focused on scaling the business, ensuring it sticks to its customer centric roots, ensuring the benefit of secure hardware can be enjoyed by businesses, governments and our populations. He also serves on the NATO DIANA Alumni Advisory Council, having led SECQAI through its programme and presented or moderated key NATO conferences.

SECQAI’s advanced AI inference capabilities ensure even the most complex models can be deployed efficiently, wherever they may be needed, paving the way for true agentic AI. Underpinned by the next generation of security features required for confidential computing, including memory safety and post-quantum cryptography, SECQAI’s products are the secure backbone that businesses and critical national infrastructure need for the future.