The overarching question imparting urgency to this exploration is: Can U.S.-Russian contention in cyberspace cause the two nuclear superpowers to stumble into war? In considering this question we were constantly reminded of recent comments by a prominent U.S. arms control expert: At least as dangerous as the risk of an actual cyberattack, he observed, is cyber operations’ “blurring of the line between peace and war.” Or, as Nye wrote, “in the cyber realm, the difference between a weapon and a non-weapon may come down to a single line of code, or simply the intent of a computer program’s user.”
Governments around the world are increasingly recognizing the critical role that science and technology plays in diplomatic relations. Japan's "Science and Technology Diplomacy" initiative represents one of the most elaborate efforts to strengthen the scientific and technological content of its diplomatic activities. This shift in foreign policy is occurring at a time when global economic trends are less favorable to traditional development assistance models. The initiative is likely to have far-reaching implications on Japan's cooperation with developing countries. This seminar will: (a) review the evolution of the role of science and innovation in development cooperation; (b) examine the relevant features of Japan's "Science and Technology Diplomacy" initiative; and (c) outline new avenues for development cooperation in light of the current global economic crisis.
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Please join us! Light luncheon provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.
This event is co-sponsored by the Program on U.S.-Japan Relations, Weatherhead Center for International Affairs.