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Technology Revolution Brings People Closer Together

Deputy Secretary of State Durham James B. Steinberg today underscored that technology revolution has brought people closer together around the world.

At the Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy Von Der Heyden Lecture, Mr. Steinberg highlighted the three revolutions that have changed the world - Iran, the end communism in Russia and Central Europe, and now a democratic awakening in the Middle East.

"These three revolutions are a dramatic illustration of the pace of change during our lifetimes, but they emerge in the context and are driven by more systemic forces that themselves form a core element of the challenges that face the United States today."-Mr. Steinberg

He pointed out that the twin phenomena of increasing globalization and interdependence fueled by a technological revolution of communications and information that have changed the face of the world bringing people closer together, fueling economic growth and human opportunity even in remote corners of the planet, but also enabling the dangerous forces that threaten individuals' well-being and their survival.

"This revolution has spurred the emergence of new powers, this technology revolution from nations like India, China, Brazil, and others that compete for influence on the global stage to non-state actors from NGOs to international criminals and terrorists."Mr. Steinberg

Mr. Steinberg concluded that in all of the work of Obama's Administration, the Americans are guided by two core convictions. First, that in today's interconnected world, no nation, no matter how powerful, can alone seize the opportunities and master the great challenges of our time. From sustaining economic growth, to fostering human freedom, to combating terrorism and climate change, the need for international cooperation is clear.

Source: U.S. Department of State