FSI researchers work to understand continuity and change in societies as they confront their problems and opportunities. This includes the implications of migration and human trafficking. What happens to a society when young girls exit the sex trade? How do groups moving between locations impact societies, economies, self-identity and citizenship? What are the ethnic challenges faced by an increasingly diverse European Union? From a policy perspective, scholars also work to investigate the consequences of security-related measures for society and its values.
The Europe Center reflects much of FSI’s agenda of investigating societies, serving as a forum for experts to research the cultures, religions and people of Europe. The Center sponsors several seminars and lectures, as well as visiting scholars.
Societal research also addresses issues of demography and aging, such as the social and economic challenges of providing health care for an aging population. How do older adults make decisions, and what societal tools need to be in place to ensure the resulting decisions are well-informed? FSI regularly brings in international scholars to look at these issues. They discuss how adults care for their older parents in rural China as well as the economic aspects of aging populations in China and India.
It is the American view that Japan has been totally dependent on the United States for its national security, and that this favorable condition has enabled the Japanese to dedicate themselves fully to economic development with no significant military burden. The competitive edge of many U.S. industries, including those of steel, shipbuilding, electrical appliances, motorcycles, office equipment, automobiles, and computers, has eroded considerably since the 1960s, and Japan has taken all the blame for the downfall. The U.S. semiconductor industry is on the verge of falling behind because of aggressive Japanese sales policies. Moreover, Japan has for years protected its domestic industries so the U.S. industries have struggled in vain to penetrate the Japanese market. Some U.S. critics argue that the disputes over a huge trade imbalance between the two countries can best be explained by these unfair Japanese advantages. The invisibility of the role of Japanese contribution toward western security has also intensified irritation in the U.S. Congress. The recent controversy over the FS-X (fighter supporter) project of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) evolved out of these circumstances. The details of and epilogue to this controversy are discussed in this paper.
ABOUT THE BOOK
We have seen in recent hijackings
and other hostage-takings that the mightiest military machine in the world
can be tied down like Gulliver. What would happen if tomorrow's Lilliputians
had an atomic bomb, or used other means to cause nuclear violence? Preventing
Nuclear Terrorism is an insightful and provocative book that provides early
warning of a threat that must be stopped from materializing at all costs.
It points the way to avoiding a situation in which the world order, not
just our nation, would be placed at risk. It warrants close scrutiny.
- Representative Richard Gephardt
Chairman, House Democratic Caucus
The old adage about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of
cure aptly describes the basic thrust of this valuable book. The book begins
with a distinguished and balanced International Task Force of experts concluding
that 'the probability of nuclear terrorism is increasing' and warning that
'the fact that so far there has been no serious act of nuclear terrorism
is no reason for complacency.' The Task Force report is followed by 26 studies
that provide valuable insight and perspective into all aspects of a world-threatening
problem. This is a unique body of work that offers a realistic and urgently
needed roadmap for steering clear of nuclear terrorism.
- Senator
Sam Nunn
Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee
There is no greater challenge to the entire world than the prevention
of a detonation, accidental or otherwise, of even a single nuclear weapon.
Preventing Nuclear Terrorism makes a unique and valued contribution toward
that end. It should be widely read, discussed, and acted upon.
- Senator
John W. Warner
Secretary of the Navy, 1972-74
