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

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
• Executive Summary
• 1 Integration of STH Developments and U.S. Foreign Policy
• 2 Leadership Within the Department of State for Addressing STH-Related Issues
• 3 Broadening and Deepening STH Competence Within the Department of State
• 4 STH Expertise at U.S. Embassies and Missions
• 5 Interagency Interests and Opportunities
• 6 Epilogue
• Appendix A Request for the Study from the Department of State
• Appendix B Selected Studies on Science, Technology, and Foreign Affairs
• Appendix C Biographies of Committee Members
• Appendix D Interim Recommendations of the Committee (September 1998)
• Appendix E Senate Act 886
• Appendix F Affiliations of U.S. Government Officials and Other Specialists Consulted by Committee and Staff
• Appendix G International Affairs Strategic Goals
• Appendix H Standard Field Position Description-Scientific and Technological Affairs Officer
• Appendix I Goals, Strategies, and Objectives in the Program Plan of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs