Localization methods express the partition functions of
Chern–Simons–matter theories in terms of matrix models. By the
AdS/CFT correspondence, they correspond to superstring and M-theory
partition functions in certain AdS backgrounds. In this talk I will
summarize the different methods that have been developed to study the
matrix models at large N, and then I will explain the implications for
M-theory and superstrings. In particular, I will discuss how this
matrix model makes it possible to calculate non-perturbative effects
in string theory and M-theory.