Beyond 'Fortress America': National Security Controls on Science and Technology in a Globalized World

Book Details

Author	National Research Council
Publisher	National Academies Press
Year	2009
Language	English
Pages	150
Size	1.03 MB
Extension	PDF

Summary

Beyond 'Fortress America': National Security Controls on Science and Technology in a Globalized World is a landmark report by the National Research Council, published in 2009. The book delivers a powerful and urgent critique of the United States' national security controls governing access to and export of science and technology. It argues that these controls, largely rooted in Cold War-era thinking, are fundamentally broken and, paradoxically, are undermining the very security and prosperity they were designed to protect[reference:0][reference:1].

The report is the product of a collaborative effort by the Committee on Science, Security, and Prosperity, the Committee on Scientific Communication and National Security, and the Development, Security, and Cooperation, Policy, and Global Affairs division of the National Research Council[reference:2]. It is written for a broad audience, including policymakers, military personnel, engineers, scientists, industrialists, and scholars[reference:3]. The central thesis is that the current system of export controls and visa regulations, designed for a bipolar world with a clear adversary and separate commercial and defense technology bases, is ill-suited for a globalized era characterized by interconnected economies and rapid, fluid scientific advancement[reference:4][reference:5].

The book is structured to first diagnose the problem, then quantify its costs, and finally offer a detailed roadmap for reform. It opens by examining the three strata of U.S. export controls and the non-immigrant visa system for foreign students and professionals[reference:6]. It then provides an account of the significant costs associated with these "walls"—including lost economic opportunities, hampered access to global talent and innovation, and a decline in U.S. competitiveness[reference:7][reference:8]. The report argues that in the name of maintaining superiority, the U.S. now runs the risk of becoming less secure, less competitive, and less prosperous[reference:9].

The recommendations are forward-looking and actionable. They call for a comprehensive overhaul of the export control process to make it more agile and risk-based[reference:10]. The book also advocates for reforms to the non-immigrant visa system to ensure the U.S. remains a welcoming destination for the world's best science and engineering talent[reference:11]. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for the U.S. to engage in and envision new multilateral regimes that reflect the realities of the post-Cold War world[reference:12].

Beyond 'Fortress America' is more than a critique; it is a strategic call to action. It contains vital information and action items for the President of the United States and policymakers that will affect the country's ability to compete and secure its future in a globalized world[reference:13][reference:14]. For anyone concerned with the intersection of science, technology, security, and international policy, this book remains an essential and thought-provoking resource.

Key Features

• Comprehensive analysis of U.S. national security controls on science and technology.
• Examination of the unintended consequences of export controls and visa policies.
• Detailed account of the costs of "building walls" around U.S. science and technology.
• Actionable recommendations for reforming the export control process.
• Proposals for improving the non-immigrant visa system for foreign scientists and students.
• Insights into the need for new multilateral regimes in a globalized world.
• Written by a committee of experts from the National Research Council.
• Essential reading for policymakers, industry leaders, and academics.
• Addresses the intersection of national security, economic competitiveness, and scientific progress.
• Highlights the risks of the U.S. falling behind in critical scientific fields.
• Provides a framework for ensuring U.S. scientific and technological competitiveness.
• Offers a balanced perspective on security and openness in science.

About the Author

This volume was prepared by the Committee on Science, Security, and Prosperity and the Committee on Scientific Communication and National Security, under the auspices of the National Research Council (NRC). The National Research Council is the operating arm of the United States National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. It provides independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation on matters of science, technology, and medicine. The committees were composed of leading experts from academia, industry, and government, with deep expertise in national security policy, scientific communication, international relations, and technology transfer[reference:15].

Related Books

• Beyond 'Fortress America': National Security Controls on Science and Technology in a Globalized World (Summary) by National Research Council
• Innovation and National Security: Keeping Our Edge by Council on Foreign Relations
• The Diffusion of Military Technology and Ideas by Emily O. Goldman
• Science and Technology in a Globalized World by National Research Council
• Export Controls: A Contemporary History by Bert Chapman
• Scientific Communication and National Security by National Research Council
• Technology and National Security by Ashton B. Carter

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What can I learn by reading this book?

A: You will learn about the profound unintended consequences of current U.S. national security controls on science and technology, including their negative impact on competitiveness, security, and economic prosperity, and gain a clear understanding of the reforms needed to address these challenges.

Q: Is this book suitable for beginners?

A: Yes, while the topic is complex, the book is written for a broad audience, including policymakers, professionals, and students. It provides a clear and accessible diagnosis of the problem and its solutions.

Q: Is this book recommended for professionals?

A: Absolutely. It is an essential resource for policymakers, military personnel, engineers, scientists, industrialists, and scholars who are concerned with national security, science policy, and international competitiveness[reference:16].

Q: What topics are covered in this book?

A: The book covers U.S. export controls, the non-immigrant visa system for scientists and students, the economic and security costs of these controls, and provides recommendations for reforming these systems to ensure U.S. competitiveness in a globalized world.

Q: Why is this book useful for students and researchers?

A: It provides a foundational understanding of the intersection of science, technology, and national security policy, making it an excellent resource for students and researchers in public policy, international relations, and science and technology studies.

Q: What is the main argument of the book?

A: The book argues that current national security controls on science and technology are broken, rooted in Cold War-era thinking, and that they undermine U.S. security and competitiveness. It calls for a comprehensive overhaul of export controls and visa policies.

Q: Is this book still relevant today?

A: Yes, the book's analysis of the tension between security and openness in science and technology remains highly relevant. The challenges of globalization, talent competition, and technological leadership are as critical today as they were in 2009.