What social concerns are addressed in the novel, Eon?

Bear explores a multiplicity of social issues, some painted with a broad brush, others dealt with subtly as background. The first social concern presented is that of rivalry and distrust among nations on Earth, primarily the Soviet Union with its Eastern Bloc versus the United States and its allies. In Eon the Cold War is still going on in the year 2000. Another example of social concern can be found in the novel's exploration of the effects of technology.