Google: Key Actor in International Affairs

By now, most people in the United State and the world has either heard of Google or has had their life impacted by it in some way. As a U.S. company, Google represents the quintessential American company that evolved from humble beginnings to becoming a profitable organization. Google is a leader in information and communication technology. Google as a search engine is a useful tool for a myriad of industries, but more recently it has become the source for peacekeepers to track conflict in regions throughout the world.  For example, in 2009 the “Google Earth” application provided the U.S. State Department and humanitarian workers with satellite images of villages that were destroyed during the conflict in Darfur. These images allowed the foreign officials to avoid areas that were highly volatile as well as provide aide to villages with the most need.

I think that the service that Google Earth provides is exceptionally useful and necessary. I would like to see Google Earth play a similar role in America, by helping law enforcement stamp out crimes. Despite many who contend Google Earth’s surveillance capabilities I strongly believe that its technology is a great way to increase safety and security throughout the world.