Nexus of Science, Technology, and Foreign Policy

Although science and technology concerns have not traditionally played a prominent role in U.S. foreign policy, they are integral to U.S. interests in national security, international economics, and the environment. Twenty-first century challenges demand a partnership between American scientific strength and U.S. foreign policy.

The Nexus of Science, Technology, and Foreign Policy Initiative aims to draw attention to critical areas where science and foreign policy intersect and explore the implications of emerging technologies on trade, security, U.S. competitiveness, and global health.

Past meetings can be found below.

For more information about the Nexus of Science and Foreign Policy Initiative, please contact:

Rob Kittleson
Program Coordinator
Washington Program
rkittleson@cfr.org
+1-202-518-3417

Meetings

General Meeting

Are Biofuels Starving the Global Food Economy?

Speakers: David J. Rothkopf, President and CEO, Garten Rothkopf
C. Ford Runge, Distinguished McKnight University Professor of Applied Economics and Law, University of Minnesota
Presider: Julia E. Sweig, Nelson and David Rockefeller Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies and Director for Latin America Studies, Council on Foreign Relations
October 1, 2007

As biofuels garner increased attention across America and are encouraged as an important source of alternative energy, some have warned that price hikes for corn and other food staples may adversely affect developing economies. Join experts David Rothkopf and C. Ford Runge as they discuss the complex effects of the growing alternative energy market on food supplies, energy security, the environment, and economic development.

General Meeting

Can Coal be Clean? The Promise of Climate Change Technology

Speakers: Ernest J. Moniz, Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics and Engineering Systems, Director, MIT Energy Initiative, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Rick Boucher, Member, U.S. House of Representatives (D-VA)
Presider: Michael A. Levi, Fellow for Science and Technology and Director, Program on Energy Security and Climate Change, Council on Foreign Relations
September 18, 2007

As the largest generator of electricity in the United States, China, and India and a leading source of carbon emissions, coal will play an important role in energy and climate change policy from local to global levels. New technologies such as carbon capture and sequestration have been touted as cure-alls for the environmental ills of carbon-emitting coal plants. But these technologies like many others may face significant technical and economic hurdles. Join Dr. Moniz, cochair of the recent MIT report “The Future of Coal,” and Representative Boucher to discuss the pivotal role of coal in the global energy and climate change debate.

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General Meeting

National Security and the Threat of Climate Change

Speakers: General Gordon R. Sullivan USA (Ret.), Former Chief of Staff, U.S. Army
General Paul J. Kern USA (Ret.), Former Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command
Admiral T. Joseph Lopez USN (Ret.), Former Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and of Allied Forces, Southern Europe
Presider: Steve Inskeep, Host, "Morning Edition," National Public Radio
May 14, 2007

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