This report presents a comprehensive delineation of the principal issues in the field of international telecommunications and information, as well as an overview of United States policy in this area. The first part discusses international trends in protectionism and the politicization of international forums; it also outlines United States goals, policies, and strategies related to enhancing the free international flow of information and promoting an international environment with minimum direct government involvement in or regulation of telecommunications/information services. The second part describes the international process through which the United States seeks to advance its interests, the problems faced in working within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the direct and opportunity costs attributable to the present dispersion of United States government policy authority in this sector, and means by which policy improvements could be achieved. Detailed discussions of important issues provided in the third part cover international telecommunications facilities, networks, and services; trade issues related to telecommunications and information equipment and services; information issues such as privacy protection and intellectual property rights; research and development and technology transfer in telecommunications and information; and national security issues. Also provided are profiles of international organizations and a list of United States bills and public laws related to telecommunications and information policy. (ESR)