Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

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 National Security and International Competitiveness: Conversation with Admiral Bobby R. Inman, U.S.N. (Retired), President of Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation, former Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and former Director of the National Security Agency; 3/25/86 by Harry Kreisler

This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Welcome to a conversation on national security and international competitiveness. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our guest today as Admiral B.R. Bobby Inman, U.S. Navy, retired. Admiral Inman is the 1976 Chester W. Nimitz Lecturer at Berkeley. He is currently president, chief executive officer, and chairman of the board of directors of Micro Electronics and Computer Technology. Admiral Inman's distinguished career in the intelligence community spanned thirty years, culminating in his appointment as Director of the National Security Agency in July 1977, where he served until March 1981. Coincident with his assignment as Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, he was promoted to the rank of admiral, the first naval intelligence specialist to attain a four-star rank. He retired with the permanent rank of admiral on July 1, 1982.

  1. The Role of Trade in National Security ... relationship of economic to strategic power ... domestic focus ... broadening the definition of national security to include the marketplace ... outdated security paradigm ... bureaucrats chosen for ideology rather than competence
  2. Balancing Military and Economic Policies ... maintaining the military sphere ... open markets ... cushioning transitions ... diverse U.S. society shuns unilateral government trade decisions ... contrasting Japanese society ... speed of research process ... nature of military investment in R&D ... encouraging risk-taking ... commercial spinoffs from military R&D
  3. Regaining Competitiveness ... pro-competitive joint ventures in R&D ... investing in education ... final recommendations

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