To compete and thrive in the 21st century, democracies, and the United States in particular, must develop new national security and economic strategies that address the geopolitics of information. In the 20th century, market capitalist democracies geared infrastructure, energy, trade, and even social policy to protect and advance that era’s key source of power—manufacturing. In this century, democracies must better account for information geopolitics across all dimensions of domestic policy and national strategy.
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.