[DOWNLOAD] "Science and Foreign Policy (Forum) (Letter to the Editor)" by Issues in Science and Technology ~ eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Science and Foreign Policy (Forum) (Letter to the Editor)
- Author : Issues in Science and Technology
- Release Date : January 01, 2009
- Genre: Engineering,Books,Professional & Technical,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 1928 KB
Description
Gerald Hane has a valuable piece in the Fall 2008 Issues ("Science, Technology and Global Reengagement") arguing that the new administration must recognize the critical role of science and technology (S&T) in the conduct of the nation's foreign policy and that that role must be reflected in the structure of the White House and State Department. It is not a new argument but one that has bedeviled many administrations and many Secretaries of State, with results that have varied but almost always have fallen short of what is needed. Today, it is of even greater importance as the consequences of inadequate response become steadily more damaging in light of the rapid upgrading of scientific and technological competence throughout the world and the emergence of global-scale S&T-rich issues as major elements of foreign affairs. The threat to America's competitive economic position as well as its national security is real and growing. Hane asserts the critical importance of the new president's having in his immediate entourage a science adviser able to participate in formulating policy to deal with the flood of these issues. He calls for an upgrading of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and for the director of that office to also be a deputy assistant to the president for science, technology, and global affairs. Whatever the title, he is quite right that it is not enough only to be at the table; the science adviser must have the clout and the personal drive to frame the discussion and influence decisions. In this setting, the power that comes from proximity to the president is essential in order to be able to cut through often contentious agency debates and congressional opposition.