The international politics of biotechnology: investigating global futures

Book abstract:

This book reviews the global impact of modern advances in the science of biotechnology. Experts in global conflict, international political economy, business, ethics and gender assess the impact of the biotechnological revolution on the political economy of agriculture, bio-diversity, the environment and North-South relations as well as biological warfare.

Divided into three sections, the central aim of the book is to introduce biotechnology to the readership of international relations. The first section, 'Science, ethics and gender', considers the nature of the science itself, the normative questions raised and the significance of gender responses. Following these broad issues, the second section, 'International political economy, trade and environment', addresses biotechnology in relation to international political economy, trade and the environment, highlighting the politics of food and patents. The final section, 'Biological warfare: prospects and responses', tackles the question of biological knowledge applied to weapons, and global responses.

The book will be of interest to anyone concerned with technology and international relations, technology and globalisation, the progress of biotechnology and social responses, biological warfare and the normative context of advanced technology.