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The continuing crisis in the Middle East, the contributions of science to the war on terrorism, and global energy challenges were among the key topics addressed by the BCSIA International Council in its annual meeting on April 10-11 at the Kennedy School.
Dennis Ross kicked off the event with a dinner speech on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian crisis and the options available to the U.S. to build a ceasefire as a basis for a more lasting peace.
With more than 30 Council members representing countries in Asia, Europe, and North America, the discussion provided a complex view of both the events in the Middle East and of America''s role in coping with the situation on the ground. Thomas Foley, until recently America''s Ambassador to Japan, offered a view on how the difficulty is seen by one of America''s closest allies. Robin Zahran, a native of the West Bank (then part of Jordan) brought a personal perspective to the debate.
In discussions led by Council Chair James Schlesinger, BCSIA''s Lewis Branscomb, co-chair of the National Academy Committee on Science and Technology for Countering Terrorism, explained how the resources of science are being rallied to provide enhanced security for the U.S. in the conflict with terrorism. Council members Ray Ozzie, Ram Mukunda, Giuseppe Taibi and others from the applied science of information technologies added practical perspective to transforming existing potential into new means of defense.
The discussion on energy security was enriched through Robert Belfer''s and David Hamburg''s contributions based on long and rich experience on the interrelationship between the economy and security issues.
Dean Joseph Nye gave a luncheon talk on his new book The Paradox of American Power, which was likewise evaluated and enhanced by input from Council members from other parts of the world, who see additional dimensions on both the opportunities and the limitations America faces in exercising its massive unique power.
Other issues on the Council''s ambitious agenda included "The Uses of History and Intelligence Analysis" led by Ernest May; "Caspian Studies" by Brenda Shaffer, and "Research and Teaching National Security Policy" by John White.