The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology (CRN) has published an article called "Responsible Nanotechnology." The article examines molecular nanotechnology and outlines some possible future scenarios:
Molecular manufacturing develops quickly and mankind exists happily with the new technology.
The same as Scenario 6, except the technology develops slowly.
Leading world powers decide to avoid scenarios 5 and 6 at all costs and work together to avoid geopolitical instability.
Several nations develop molecular manufacturing capability simultaneously and use it to start an arms race in new weaponry of incredible power.
Molecular nanotechnology manufacturing is developed first by a major Asian nation and the U.S. subsequently becomes a technological backwater.
Molecular technology manufacturing is first developed by The United States of America and they continue to press ahead with their intent on leading the world.