[nano--><--bio]tech: Regulating Nanotechnology and Designing the NGOs of the Future: " 'The best way for doubters to control a questionable new technology is to embrace it, lest it remain wholly in the hands of enthusiasts who think there is nothing questionable about it.'
That's very astute, and no doubt the paradigm applies to the prior paragraph in terms of government regulation and treaties. We cannot be at a technological disadvantage to those who cheat. I think the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty exemplifies this well. Imagine the NPT if we didn't have nuclear weapons and therefor the safety net of mutually assured destruction. I'm not saying MAD applies to nanotech. Bans and treaties are helpful but won't stop everyone.
More extensive thoughts here:"
