Finn O’Connor is a graduate student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs pursuing a MAGG. His research focuses on the political and economic implications of developing technologies, exploring a wide range of topics including international security, intrastate conflict, and infrastructure development.
He previously graduated from the University of Waterloo with a BA in Political Science where he wrote his undergraduate thesis on military drone use by violent non-state actors. His other work includes the evolution of the U.S. defence industry during the Cold War, and historical processes of industrialisation in the 19th and 20th Centuries.
Through the Co-op program, Finn also gained valuable experience across multiple positions in the federal and Ontario provincial government. In is most recent role as a junior telecommunications analyst for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, he supported the development of new spectrum licencing conditions that reflected innovations in wireless technology and the current needs of Canadians. He is currently a U.S. Defense Innovation Policy fellow at the BIED Society.