Technology and International Relations- Challenges for the 21st Century

This book focuses on the role of Science and Technology in foreign relations. A wide range of science and technology issues have become the subject of international negotiations over the years. This trend could continue and even accelerate in the future, raising a number of questions. Science, Technology, and Diplomacy are growing more closely interrelated as human knowledge expands. Countries that take advantage of this trend will gain an edge over others. This book starts from the past and looks towards the 21 st century. A number of Science and Technology related sectors have been examined, in varying detail, to draw some conclusions and highlight areas where diplomacy may be required. Also examined is the question of how science and technology related issues could be managed through diplomacy. This book would help diplomats to better understand some of the science and technology related issues that have come into the arena of international relations in one way or other. It may also help scientists and technologists to better appreciate the complexities of international relations and the impact that science and technology have on them. For the business community, it may provide motivation for the need for awareness and preparing for the disruptions caused by technology changes as well as for seizing the opportunities afforded by such changes. For the public, it may provide a better understanding of how scientific advances can affect their lives and society in general.

Vij Books
  • Pages: 332
  • 9789386457301 • HARDBACK • Oct 2017 • Rs.995
  • 9789386457325 • PAPERBACK • Feb 2018 • Rs.695
  • 9789386457318 • EBOOK • Nov 2017 • Rs.695
  • Subjects: International Relations, Geopolitics, Information Technology
  • Technology and International Relations- Challenges for the 21st Century
author details

Dr. Bhaskar Balakrishnan has been an Indian diplomat from 1974-2007 and served as Ambassador of India to Greece, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and has worked in Sudan, Syria, Zambia, and Austria. In India at the Ministry of External Affairs, he has worked in the areas of investment, technology, air transport, energy, IT security, and personnel management. He has worked for over ten years with various UN organizations in Geneva and Vienna, including three years as Special Assistant to the Director General, UNIDO. 



I Foreword 
II Preface by the author
III Introduction
Chapter 1 - Concepts, ideas, and historical perspectives.
Chapter 2 - Technology in the 20th-century society and impact on international relations.
Chapter 3 - India’s technological and foreign policy evolution.
Chapter 4 - Nuclear technology and India’s foreign policy - the curse of Prometheus
Chapter 5 - Chemical technology – progress or a plague?
Chapter 6 – Biotechnology – the key to life.
Chapter 7 - Information and Communication technology – instant information.
Chapter 8 - Aerospace technology – from the earth to the planets and beyond.
Chapter 9 - Ocean space – the frontier of the depths.
Chapter 10 - Nanotechnology – technology of the small with huge possibilities.
Chapter 11 - Climate change and Energy – still time to save our planet
Chapter 12 - Human health – a healthy world for all.
Chapter 13- Intellectual property rights – converting knowledge into economic power
Chapter 14 - Technology control – preventing the spread of weapons.
Chapter 15 - International Scientific Cooperation – can science bring us together?
Chapter 16 - Managing science and technology diplomacy- 
Chapter 17 - Conclusion – future outlook and challenges