AdS/CFT and the dynamics of quark-gluon plasma

In this talk we first discuss the motivation for using the AdS/CFT correspondence as a tool for the understanding of real-time dynamics of quark-gluon plasma. After describing the effective dual degrees of freedom for a strongly coupled gauge theory system, we review the subsequent theoretical `layers' in the physics of quark-gluon plasma: a uniform plasma at fixed temperature, linearized fluctuations, nonlinear hydrodynamic behaviour and finally some aspects of addressing non-equilibrium physics. The discussion is brief and aimed at nonspecialists.