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

BOX ES-1 Examples of Issues with Significant STH Content and Foreign Policy Relevance in Selected Countries and Regions

Russia

Exports of missile and nuclear technologies
Brain drain of former weaponeers and computer scientists
Emergence of small innovative private firms
Infectious diseases: AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis
Participation in International Space Station
Protection of nuclear materials and safety of nuclear reactors
Y2K computer retrofits: military, aviation, and financial systems

China

Energy mix and energy systems: coal, nuclear, hydropower; small stand-alone electrical grids
Exports of military and dual-use technologies
Population growth
Development of space program
Brain drain of students studying in United States
Respect for intellectual property rights
Adequate and safe food supply

Nigeria

Oil exploration and exploitation
Detection of drug trafficking
Diseases: AIDS, river blindness, malaria
Water and sewage treatment
Population growth
Nutrition deficiencies
Brain drain of well-educated specialists

Mexico

Breeding of wheat and corn varieties
Sharing with United States of water resources
Cultivation and trafficking of cocaine, marijuana, and synthetic drugs
Compliance with pollution reduction requirements of the North American Free Trade Agreement
Food safety and contamination of food exports

mentation of a foreign policy that will contribute to the creation of a more secure, prosperous, and democratic world for the benefit of the American people.

Precisely because STH developments are such a pervasive force, they cannot be isolated from the fundamental workings of foreign policy. The Department needs the capability to understand how technological factors

Table of Contents

Front Matter R1-R14

Executive Summary 1-10

1 Integration of STH Developments and U.S. Foreign Policy 11-24

2 Leadership Within the Department of State for Addressing STH-Related Issues 25-34

3 Broadening and Deepening STH Competence Within the Department of State 35-47

4 STH Expertise at U.S. Embassies and Missions 48-61

5 Interagency Interests and Opportunities 62-73

6 Epilogue 74-76

Appendix A Request for the Study from the Department of State 77-79

Appendix B Selected Studies on Science, Technology, and Foreign Affairs 80-82

Appendix C Biographies of Committee Members 83-89

Appendix D Interim Recommendations of the Committee (September 1998) 90-92

Appendix E Senate Act 886 93-95

Appendix F Affiliations of U.S. Government Officials and Other Specialists Consulted by Committee and Staff 96-100

Appendix G International Affairs Strategic Goals 101-102

Appendix H Standard Field Position DescriptionScientific and Technological Affairs Officer 103-105

Appendix I Goals, Strategies, and Objectives in the Program Plan of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs 106-111