The basic structures and procedures of science and technology policymaking are presented in detail in a new report from the Congressional Research Service. See “Science and Technology Policymaking: A Primer” (pdf), April 18, 2008.
Other noteworthy new reports from the Congressional Research Service that have not been made readily available online include the following (all pdf).
“Information Security and Data Breach Notification Safeguards,” updated April 3, 2008.
“Congressional Oversight of Intelligence: Current Structure and Alternatives,” updated April 1, 2008.
“Data Mining and Homeland Security: An Overview,” updated April 3, 2008.
“Security Implications of Taiwan’s Presidential Election of March 2008,” April 4, 2008.
Satellite imagery of RAF Lakenheath reveals new construction of a security perimeter around ten protective aircraft shelters in the designated nuclear area, the latest measure in a series of upgrades as the base prepares for the ability to store U.S. nuclear weapons.
It will take consistent leadership and action to navigate the complex dangers in the region and to avoid what many analysts considered to be an increasingly possible outcome, a nuclear conflict in East Asia.
Getting into a shutdown is the easy part, getting out is much harder. Both sides will be looking to pin responsibility on each other, and the court of public opinion will have a major role to play as to who has the most leverage for getting us out.
How the United States responds to China’s nuclear buildup will shape the global nuclear balance for the rest of the century.