Elusive Transformation

Eugene B. Skolnikoff is Professor of Political Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has been Director of the Center for International Studies at MIT, and has served on the staff of the White House Office of Science and Technology in several administrations.

"Thought-provoking... Although the broad relationship that emerges between science and technology and international affairs is a dynamic one, Skolnikoff argues that the process of change is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Skolnikoff is talented at weaving the argument between science and technology and international developments... Full of stimulating and informative ideas."--Margaret Sharp, Nature "A volume of sweeping ambition, covering both past and contemporary trends... This compact volume offers much to anyone interested in current global trends, not least to those in the scientific, engineering and medical communities... With almost 40 years of intense professional involvement in this subject ... Skolnikoff brings an extraordinary range of both scholarship and practical experience to this debate."--American Scientist "... without doubt the best general introduction available... will undoubtedly be the general 'reference of choice' in technology and international affairs for years to come."--IEEE Spectrum "This book offers a very well written and thoughtful overview of the likely impacts of science and technology on international politics."--George H. Quester, American Political Science Review "... a remarkably good review of the full range of the science and technology of international politics."--Allan Mazur, Contemporary Sociology "A volume of sweeping ambition, covering both past and contemporary trends... This compact volume offers much to anyone interested in current global trends, not least to those in the scientific, engineering and medical communities... With almost 40 years of intense professional involvement in this subject ... Skolnikoff brings an extraordinary range of both scholarship and practical experience to this debate."--Rodney W. Nichols, American Scientist

• Preface1The Setting3Assessing the Interaction of Science and Technology with International Affairs5Primary Questions8Some Comments on Theoretical Issues and Literature9Science and Technology as Causes of Societal Change10What Is Meant by "Science" and "Technology"12Plan of the Study152The Scientific and Technological Enterprises and the Direction of Technological Change16Historical Evolution16The New Enterprises21Patterns of Outcomes and Effects393National Security49Nuclear-Weapons Systems51Scientific and Technological Factors in Strategic Nuclear Relationships54The Evolution and Diffusion of Military Power and Capability71Arms Control83Some Summary Comments874Economies and Polities93Global Integration93Economic Growth, Trade, and Competition112North-South Transfer of Technology and Dependency132Old and New Dimensions: Geopolitical Measures140Large Systems166Some Summary Comments1725Global Dangers175Global Warning176Other Global Dangers1996Practical Problems of Governance: Institutions and Processes202Time202Technical Content of Issues206Role of Foreign Offices209International Cooperation210International Organizations212Some Additional Issues216In Sum2187Conclusions and Observations223Some Summary Conclusions and Generalizations223The Processes, Outcomes, and Consequences of Science and Technology239Theoretical Debates241Comments on Policy246Coda248Notes253Index305