The Pervasive Role of Science, Technology, and Health in Foreign Policy: Imperatives for the Department of State

Description

Issues involving science, technology, and health (STH) have moved to the forefront of the international diplomatic agenda. Other vital issues linked to technological developments pervade longer-range foreign policy concerns. Thus, STH considerations are often central to the Department of State’s bilateral and multilateral interactions with other governments. STH aspects play a large role in discussions of such critical topics as nuclear nonproliferation, use of outer space, population growth, adequate and safe food supply, climate change, infectious diseases, energy resources, and competitiveness of industrial technologies. In addressing these issues, expert STH knowledge is essential to the anticipation and resolution of problems and to the achievement of foreign policy goals. The Department, recognizing that it requires strengthened capabilities to address such an array of topics, asked for suggestions by the National Research Council as to how it could better deal with foreign policy issues with STH content. Front Matter......Page 2 Contents......Page 6 Preface......Page 8 Executive Summary......Page 15 1 Integration of STH Developments and U.S. Foreign Policy......Page 25 2 Leadership Within the Department of State for Addressing STH-Related Issues......Page 39 3 Broadening and Deepening STH Competence Within the Department of State......Page 49 4 STH Expertise at U.S. Embassies and Missions......Page 62 5 Interagency Interests and Opportunities......Page 76 6 Epilogue......Page 88 APPENDIX A Request for Study from the Department of State......Page 93 APPENDIX B Selected Studies on Science, Technology, and Foreign Affairs......Page 94 APPENDIX C Biographies of Committee Members......Page 97 APPENDIX D Interim Recommendations of the Committee (September 1998)......Page 104 APPENDIX E Senate Act 886: Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001......Page 107 APPENDIX F Affiliations of U.S. Government Officials and Other Specialists Consulted by Committee and Staff......Page 110 APPENDIX G International Affairs Strategic Goals......Page 115 APPENDIX H Standard Field Position Description— Scientific and Technological Affairs Officer......Page 117 APPENDIX I Goals, Strategies, and Objectives in the Program Plan of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs......Page 120