Quantum Technologies and Geopolitics: Comparing Parliamentary Rhetoric

Quantum Technologies and Geopolitics: Comparing Parliamentary Rhetoric | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Quantum Technologies and Geopolitics: Comparing Parliamentary Rhetoric Viktor Suter, Gina Pöhlmann, Charles Ma, Miriam Meckel This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7133985/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 19 Dec, 2025 Read the published version in EPJ Quantum Technology → Version 1 posted 9 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Quantum technologies are rapidly emerging as a strategic priority for global political powers. Yet little is known about how policymakers across countries perceive the security implications of quantum technologies, even though such perceptions shape policy priorities and public understanding of technological threats. Drawing on securitization theory, we analyze parliamentary speeches from 2010 to 2024 across Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and Singapore. Using computational social science tools, including a novel method based on large language models to quantify security emphasis, we report on three principal findings. First, the level of attention devoted to quantum technologies in general, as well as the intensity of the associated security rhetoric specifically, varies across legislatures. Second, security emphasis has increased over time in every parliament examined. Third, we provide an overview of the dominant topics in high-security debates, which include industrial espionage, military alliances, and foreign investment controls. We conclude by discussing the broader implications of these findings. Full Text Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 19 Dec, 2025 Read the published version in EPJ Quantum Technology → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 22 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 13 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 13 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 29 Aug, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 21 Jul, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 18 Jul, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 17 Jul, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 16 Jul, 2025 First submitted to journal 15 Jul, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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