Seismology is, in the truest sense of the word, a global science, not limited to political boundaries. Thus, it can only be effectively practiced through international cooperation.
Seismology is primarily an observational science. Quantitative measurements of seismic ground motion as a function of time require physically well defined, continuously recording instruments. Suitable seismographs of different design principles became available at the end of the 19th century. In the following years, a considerable number of seismograph stations were installed at sites around the globe. At the dawn of this century, some of these stations celebrate their 100th anniversary, as does the International Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth’s Interior (IASPEI).

Engineering Geology under the Conditions of the Planned Economy of the U.S.S.R.
Earth Scientists and Political Scientists Need Each Other G. Debaille et S. Ghiste:
Influence des facteurs geologiques sur les proprietes mecaniques des sols de fondation
Geology as Applied to Urban Planning: an Example from the Greater Anchorage Area Borough, Alaska
Engineering Geological Mapping in the U.S.S.R.

This quotation is familiar to all geoscientists, but it is just as pertinent today as it has ever been. Today’s advanced geophysical workstations are truly magnificent tools, but we should remember that they are only tools. The skill remains the geological interpretation of geophysical data. I sometimes apologize to myself and others that this still needs to be said — but it surely does! I am indeed disappointed by the general standard of seismic interpretation in the world today.