French Indo-Pacific strategy and high education informal diplomacy in Indian Ocean

Abstract

ABSTRACT High education informal diplomacy is a recent concept placed at the heart of the international agenda by the growing intervention of non-governmental players in the conduct of international relations and the growing importance of major global issues. It involves circulating knowledge through a collaborative academic reply and establishing global governance based on scientific expertise. Recognized by a growing number of countries as part of their public policies, it differs from international university cooperation, which doesn't involve national interests. Historically part of the influence strategy of few states, it is now the prerogative of new powers, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. It is an under-exploited tool of influence in the Indian Ocean, despite the fact that France benefits from a well-developed higher education and research ecosystem in this area, ensuring its participation in today's major regional and international debates.