The U.S. patent system has generated growing debate over whether it helps foster innovation or stifles it through unnecessary protections, as this Backgrounder explains.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) updated its treaty through the final acts of the World Conference on International Telecommunications in Dubai, December 3-14, 2012.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski discusses the technology and telecommunications boom, its impact on global relations and where the FCC plays a role.

Julius Genachowski discusses the challenges and opportunities of the Federal Communications Commission's role in international telecommunications policy and its ongoing mission to promote Internet freedom, competition, innovation, and investment in broadband services around the globe.

Julius Genachowski discusses the challenges and opportunities of the Federal Communications Commission's role in international telecommunications policy and its ongoing mission to promote Internet freedom, competition, innovation, and investment in broadband services around the globe.

The U.S.-ASEAN Innovation in Science through Partners in Regional Engagement (INSPIRE) Initiative was launched in November, 2012.

President Obama should make a trip to the region soon to signal a renewed commitment to helping resolve the conflict between Palestine and Israel, says CFR's Robert Danin.

Spending on research and development is cited as important to a globally competitive economy. But a crucial U.S. advantage appears to be eroding, explains this Backgrounder.

Thomas Bollyky assesses President Obama's record in promoting international science in the latest issue of Science. The president has made strides in integrating science into U.S. diplomacy and international development activities, but only modest progress on facilitating the day-to-day scientific exchanges that account for most international research.

A new digital revolution is coming, this time in fabrication.

Adam Segal says the showdown between China and the United States over telecommunications is about more than just security.

There are high entry costs for South Korea to pursue space activity, but it will provide important contributions to national security and offer benefits that come with the associated prestige.

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon says Afghanistan's aspiring tech moguls, impossibly optimistic and totally obsessed, believe that computing will not only help make them money but also secure peace in their land.

Sebatian Mallaby argues that excessive patent protections in the tech industry threaten innovation.

Frank Klotz writes that China's growing space power has profound implications for America's own interests in space and the much-touted "pivot" to the Asia-Pacific region.

Adam Segal discusses the Cybersecurity Act, China, and technology innovation in an interview with Evan Osnos.

Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen argue that technology can play a big role in the fight against drug cartels.

Isobel Coleman and Ashley Harden discuss the impact of mobile telecommunications technology on the developing world and its access to financial services.

Inside the petro-fueled naval military buildup you've never heard of: It's Russia versus Iran, with three post-Soviet states -- and trillions of dollars in oil -- in the middle.

CFR Senior Fellow Isobel Coleman speaks with Boris Weber, director of ICT4Gov at the World Bank Institute, on how technology is being leveraged to promote good governance and increased transparency in fragile states and emerging markets.

This was a meeting of the Civil Society, Markets, and Democracy Roundtable series.