The EU’s Approach to Transatlantic Science and Research Relations: Between ‘Laissez Faire’ and ‘Science Diplomacy’

Abstract

This article assesses and explains the emergence, forms and extent of the EU-US science and research relations. It does so through the lens of ‘soft power’ since international cooperation in science and research is increasingly seen as an instrument of ‘soft power’ and a mechanism for improving international relations more generally. Drawing on the concept of ‘actorness’ I argue that the forms of engagement with the US are limited to a ‘laissez faire’ approach combined with elements of ‘science diplomacy’. However, there is no evidence that the EU uses science and research actively as a ‘soft power’ tool by trying to shape the behaviour of actors in order to push for policy outcomes the EU wants to see in other policy areas. As long as science and research policy in the EU is characterized by both a highly fragmented governance structure, and competitiveness and sovereignty concerns amongst Member States, the use of science and research as a ‘soft power’ tool in transatlantic relations remains uncharted territory.