Science Diplomacy Research Articles

Arctic Science and Technology Advice with Ministries

This seventh Synthesis with the Science Diplomacy Action serial emerged from the panel session on Arctic Science and Technology Advice with Ministries, which was convened during the Arctic Circle Japan Forum in Tokyo on 5 March 2023. This session built on transdisciplinary dialogues with the February-March 2022 webinar series on Enhancing International Scientific Cooperation: Arctic Science and Technology Advice with Ministries, which was funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan with coordination and logistics provided by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), as represented in Synthesis 6. Dialogues in both venues were strongly influence by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war with consequences for international Arctic scientific cooperation, as reflected by the 3 March 2022 “pausing” of the Arctic Council. With this background, the Arctic Circle Japan Forum session addressed three questions: 1. How can nations maintain as well as enhance international Arctic scientific cooperation, especially in the context of Open Science? 2. How can individual scientists work with ministries to build Open Science inclusively during times of geopolitical strain? 3. How can ministries facilitate continuity with the Arctic Council inclusively beyond the Arctic Council chairship rotation from Russia to Norway in May 2023? The panel involved leaders from the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), National Institute for Polar Research (NIPR), Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Science Diplomacy Center™ and the University of the Arctic (UArctic). Panelists’ international perspectives from Finland, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States are represented in the transcript of their panel dialogue, which is reproduced herein to provide insights about continuity with international scientific cooperation and Open Science inclusively to achieve progress with Pan-Arctic sustainable development.

“Fields of Ideas” for Science Diplomacy in the context of Russian “Pivot to East”

The crisis in Russian relations with the West has become a key trigger for a real “Pivot to East” in Russian foreign policy. The new edition of the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation, approved by the Decree of the President of Russia dated March 31, 2023, proclaims and describes this turn in sufficient detail, expanding the space for scientific diplomacy within the framework of international humanitarian cooperation. This space is filled with “fields of ideas” that are formed within the framework of the relationship of the expert community with decision makers within the country and with foreign colleagues and partners. These “fields of ideas” are currently rather poorly organized “exhibitions of ideas” than “markets of ideas”, where their active production and exchange takes place. The study of the reasons for this using the tools of institutional constructivism, discursive institutionalism and “institutional logic” allowed us to identify the problems of their functioning and possible prospects for development. The latter require the active development of Russian and international “fields of ideas” within the framework of scientific diplomacy in a competitive format, while being ready to compete with both Western and “non-Western” actors. On the way of such transformation, there may be several institutional traps and dead ends, on the successful overcoming of which the success of such a transformation will depend.

Taking the “UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development” as an opportunity to help build a “Community with a Shared Future between China and Pacific Island Countries”

A deep heritage of cooperation and a growing convergence of interests have driven relations between China and Pacific Island countries forward. These nations are closely linked by water, and the ocean has become an important frontier of common concern for both sides. The “United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development”(the UN Ocean Decade) and the “Building a Community with a Shared Future Between China and Pacific Island Countries” were born during the era of globalization and have a high degree of compatibility in their development visions. China should seize the opportunities brought by the UN Ocean Decade to promote science and technology diplomacy with Pacific Island countries through building science and technology innovation cooperation platforms, participating deeply in global ocean governance, and conducting civil science and technology exchanges. This will help build a closer “Community with a Shared Future between China and Pacific Island countries”.

Peter Gluckman receives 2015 AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy

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Global Digital Analysis for Science Diplomacy on Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Addressing climate change requires innovative, collective action and robust international collaboration. Through joint efforts, nations can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pioneer sustainable technologies, and implement effective adaptation measures. Science diplomacy and knowledge sharing hold the potential to bolster global stability and peace by directly confronting climate change challenges. Therefore, it becomes imperative to evaluate a country’s alignment of its scientific knowledge system (SKS) with international guidelines. This study delineates the global scientific discourse on climate change and juxtaposes the alignment between an individual nation’s research endeavors and United Nations resolutions concerning climate change and sustainable development. Our methodology integrates data extraction from scientific research databases with advanced textual analysis tools, highlighting this study’s unique focus on the intersection of climate change and UN resolutions. To deliver an empirical analysis, we leveraged complex network theory and advanced text-processing techniques. Our findings demonstrate the trajectory of global scientific output related to these themes, segmented by countries and coupled with CO2 emissions data, key disciplines, and collaboration networks. These insights are instrumental for leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, highlighting areas of convergence and divergence in national research initiatives essential for achieving global climate goals. Such knowledge is strategically useful for crafting purpose-driven public policies and honoring enduring multilateral pledges to address the climate crisis proactively.

Anticipation and diplomacy (with)in science: activating the right to science for science diplomacy

ABSTRACT How can scientists assist society and contribute to international policymaking – and just as crucially, how can society engage with and shape science? What will it take to make modern science diplomacy for the Anthropocene successful so that the benefits of science are furthered and its risks and harms, as far as possible, prevented? In this article, we explore the relevance and usefulness of three areas of study to these questions: science diplomacy, the human right to science, and anticipation in the context of scientific and technological developments. We argue that a hitherto underappreciated aspect of science diplomacy – diplomacy (with)in science – has significant potential to complement anticipatory approaches such as the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator's (GESDA's) by furthering the same goals: ameliorating the negative impacts of scientific and technological developments and facilitating their benefits. We relate the concept of diplomacy (with)in science to the normative framework of the right to science under international human rights law and develop and motivate it further by illustrating two potential areas for its application.

Scientific exchange in the Baltic Sea region during the Cold War – an ongoing transnational Oral History Project

Science communication, especially science diplomacy, is seen as a means to remain in the conversation in times of political crisis, including the Cold War era. In this paper, drawing on experiences from an ongoing oral history project within the ‘Bridging the Baltic’ network, which is interested in knowledge transfer during the Cold War and afterwards in northern Europe, we look at pitfalls of international interview projects in medicine, e.g. the influence of the chosen language in international interview projects.

The Role of Science in Foreign Policy: Science Diplomacy of Jordan

Objectives: This study aimed to increase knowledge about the ways in which science diplomacy is viewed and practiced in Jordan. Methods: A qualitative case study approach was used to accurately describe science diplomacy in terms of three empirical dimensions: (1) science for diplomacy, (2) science in diplomacy, and (3) diplomacy for science. A combination of scientific journal articles, official domestic and international documents, reports, and news stories was chosen from which to obtain data. An in-depth content analysis of documents and databases related to the topic was adopted to find predefined key terms used in science diplomacy, which were coded to indicate the conceptual dimensions of science diplomacy related to Jordan. Results: Based on the findings, numerous themes relevant to the practice of science diplomacy were identified. First, Jordan employs the three dimensions of science diplomacy. Second, it is aware of the importance of science diplomacy in promoting better relations and tackling global challenges. Third, the related local institutions employ science diplomacy as part of the overall political strategy in Jordan. Conclusions: The study’s findings suggest that Jordan will likely take advantage of the practice of science diplomacy but that making progress in science diplomacy in Jordan requires more effort.

Science Diplomacy in the Arctic and Antarctic

The article studies the phenomenon of science diplomacy with regard to the Arctic and Antarctic. These two polar regions are similar because of high importance of international scientific activity and science diplomacy based on it. Science diplomacy is understood as a kind of synthesis of scientific and political-diplomatic activities, in which state and non-state actors can take part. The conditions for science di-plomacy in the Arctic and Antarctic are very different due to the history of development, legal status and established practice of international relations in these regions. The challenges faced by international scientific activity and science diplomacy in the two regions are considered. It is shown that in the Arctic and Antarctic, science diplomacy as a political tool is objectively in demand and cannot be “cancelled” due to the political context. In the current situation, science diplomacy can contribute to de-escalation of the conflict in relations between Russia and the West. At the same time, science diplomacy is not a panacea for creating international relations based on the principles of peace and cooperation. Like any political instrument, it protects national interests and not only serves to solve global problems arising in the Arctic and Antarctic.

Transforming Research Assessment for an Equitable Scientific Culture

Watch VIDEO. Science plays a pivotal role in the advancement of democratic societies, and there is a growing consensus advocating for its recognition as both a common good and a fundamental human right. To effectively fulfil this role, science necessitates the trust of society, the support of policy makers, and robust international collaboration, enabling the mobility of researchers and the free flow of knowledge. To encourage this, our responsibilities as researchers extend beyond the realm of academic publishing. They encompass science outreach, education, diplomacy, policy advocacy, entrepreneurship, and collaborations aimed at addressing global challenges or progress towards more equitable societies. However, this is hampered by current research assessment practices and the academic reward system, which perpetuate a 'publish or perish' research culture that confines the scope of science to academic publishing, fosters privilege-based biases, and prioritises quantity over quality, as well as prestige over integrity. During this talk, I will share my personal journey as an early career researcher from the Global South, now affiliated with one of the most innovative research labs worldwide. My research journey, which was enabled by securing highly competitive funding since early stages of my career, provided me with first-hand insight into the biases and repercussions of current research assessment practices on the trajectories of researchers. Further validating this perspective is a ground-breaking study I co-led with colleagues from the Global Young Academy, exploring research assessment for career advancement on a global scale. This study shows that research institutions worldwide heavily rely on bibliometrics to evaluate career progression, irrespective of the academic discipline. However, while more established institutions appear to be walking away from these practices, these are becoming more popular in emerging research institutions from low-middle income countries. These findings highlight the need for transformational global (inclusive) initiatives. I am privileged to be part of one such initiative – The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). CoARA brings together a community of researchers and research enablers dedicated to reforming this perilous research culture. CoARA’s guiding principles centre on acknowledging the diversity of contributions and careers in science, shifting research evaluation towards qualitative aspects where research ethics and integrity are at the core, and recognizing that excellence is context-dependent, varying for each candidate, role, and projects. A standout feature of CoARA is its unwavering commitment to early career researchers, placing them at the heart of its principles, governance, structures, and interventions. Thus, ensuring that future generation of scientific leaders is well-equipped to navigate and transform the landscape of research assessment and scientific culture.

Science Diplomacy's Contribution to and Exploitation of International Relations

Science diplomacy is a novel academic concept. This project will analyse the positive function of science diplomacy in contemporary international relations and the use of science to achieve specific foreign policy objectives. This study aims to provide insight into the role of this science in external affairs work which analyses the impact of science diplomacy through a collection of journals, papers, news articles, and literature with the use of Document analysis. Even countries with mutually antagonistic political cultures may be able to approach international issues through concentrated scientific study due to the function of science diplomacy. Using the significance of science, the foreign service can influence or even meddle in the affairs of other nations. Therefore, scientific study diplomacy permits beneficial interactions between nations and the involvement of technologically and technologically powerful countries. The selection of science diplomacy is determined by the objectives of governments and diplomatic agencies.

Russian Universities as Actors of Arctic Science Diplomacy

Abstract. This article examines the role of Russian universities in emerging and further developing Arctic science diplomacy (ASD). According to authors, in the current geopolitical conditions Russian universities are significant ASD actors which perform a number of important functions for the organization of international scientific cooperation with foreign countries and making a positive image of Russia in the world. The paper uses a systemic approach to identify Russian universities’ contribution to the ASD development through various mechanisms: joint research projects and publications with foreign partners, the organization of international events on the Arctic issues and participation in prestigious international conferences on the Arctic research area, joint polar expeditions (land and maritime), and participation of Russian scientists in international Arctic scientific organizations, etc. The university ASD is exemplified by the Russian leading universities – St. Petersburg State University, Moscow State University, Northern (Arctic) Federal University, etc. The study demonstrated that maintaining a dialogue on an ongoing basis within the framework of research and educational activities of universities can contribute to the systematic establishment of cooperation in other areas of international relations, the search for innovative solutions for the benefit of the development of the entire Arctic region.

Expanding ocean protection and peace: a window for science diplomacy in the Gulf.

The ecological state of the Persian or Arabian Gulf (hereafter 'Gulf') is in sharp decline. Calls for comprehensive ecosystem-based management approaches and transboundary conservation have gone largely unanswered, despite mounting marine threats made worse by climate change. The region's long-standing political tensions add additional complexity, especially now as some Gulf countries will soon adopt ambitious goals to protect their marine environments as part of new global environmental commitments. The recent interest in global commitments comes at a time when diplomatic relations among all Gulf countries are improving. There is a window of opportunity for Gulf countries to meet global marine biodiversity conservation commitments, but only if scientists engage in peer-to-peer diplomacy to build trust, share knowledge and strategize marine conservation options across boundaries. The Gulf region needs more ocean diplomacy and coordination; just as critically, it needs actors at its science-policy interface to find better ways of adapting cooperative models to fit its unique marine environment, political context and culture. We propose a practical agenda for scientist-led diplomacy in the short term and lines of research from which to draw (e.g. co-production, knowledge exchange) to better design future science diplomacy practices and processes suited to the Gulf's setting.

Evaluating normative capacity through Arctic environmental governance

International cooperation in the Arctic is largely operationalised through environmental governance in a constellation of institutions that promote scientific knowledge of the Arctic region. While the Arctic Council is placed at the centre of this network for environmental protection and resource management across the region, other institutions play critical roles in facilitating scientific knowledge production that promotes the security and development of the region and its resources across national boundaries. Evaluating the role of environmental protection in Arctic governance within models of science diplomacy, this paper argues that the assumption of environmental responsibility should act as a normative operator for Arctic environmental governance, shaping the relations between actors in this regional network and legitimising decision-making by Arctic states as they socially construct the mechanisms and regional exceptionalism of Arctic governance. However, environmental responsibility falls short of acting as a normative operator for environmental protection that also prevents the impact of climate change on the Arctic environment, excluding its function as an overarching normative operator for the international system, reducing state legitimacy for regional decision-making in extra-territorial spaces.

Jodhpur and the aeroplane: aviation and diplomacy in an Indian state 1924-1952.

This paper is a study of the intersection between aviation and diplomacy in the semi-autonomous Indian state of Jodhpur in the final decades of British colonial rule in India. Jodhpur's Maharaja Umaid Singh established a major international aerodrome, patronized one of India's first flying clubs and collaborated with British authorities to make aviation laws for the Indian states. He would also serve in the Royal Air Force during the war and placed Jodhpur state's aviation resources at the disposal of the king-emperor. This paper argues that Jodhpur was able to leverage its aviation resources to wield substantial influence both within and beyond the British Empire through both war and peace. An analysis of Jodhpur's engagement with aviation diplomacy is also revealing of some of the limitations as well as possibilities for the deployment of science diplomacy frameworks, especially in non-Western contexts.

Rethinking African-European Scientific Cooperation: The Case of the Platform for African-European Studies

African universities rely on teaching traditions and scientific theories based on Western epistemologies and ontologies. Interactions between European and African scholars too tend to focus on the deficits in African experiences, knowledge, research and teaching methodologies and the poor economic environments in which they operate that are characterized by inadequate infrastructure and budgets. This essay discusses an emerging opportunity in science diplomacy within African-European Union (EU) interactions in higher education and argues that a fundamental revision of the imbalances in African-European scholarly relationships is possible. The essay uses the case of the emerging Platform for African–European Studies, which involves 22 universities (including 14 in Africa and eight in Europe) and underscores the importance of science diplomacy, knowledge co-creation and co-production to correct hegemonic knowledge about Africa. It explores the origins of the programme, its attempt to follow a critical global and decolonized approach in addressing the revision of curricula both in Europe and in Africa and the co-design of research. It concludes by highlighting some of the obstacles to disrupting the status-quo.

Wild polar bear conservation: A case of successful arctic science diplomacy?

As poster child for the climate crisis and symbol of the circumpolar North, the polar bear has received considerable public and scholarly attention in recent years. A review of academic research on polar bear politics shows that many texts share a positive frame of polar bear conservation as a successful example of Arctic science diplomacy. Despite making such substantive claims, authors fail by and large to explain their reasoning or provide evidence of this success, aside from references to the 1973 Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears. This article hence evaluates the claim that polar bear conservation constitutes a successful case of Arctic science diplomacy. To do so, the paper establishes a set of success criteria for Arctic science diplomacy. Based on an analysis of policy, governmental, and scientific documents and interviews on polar bear management and conservation, the paper identifies two periods of polar bear science diplomacy, evaluating each based on the success criteria developed in this paper. The first period (1960–90s) is defined by traditional threats to polar bears that are addressed through successful Arctic science diplomacy. Though the second period (1990s-present) also features elements of successful science diplomacy, Arctic scientists and diplomats are unable to effectively address the now dominant threat of climate change, shifting authority away from the Arctic and towards the international realm of climate change research and politics. As the climate crisis continues to outrank and amplify traditional threats to ecosystems around the globe, the article argues that this shift in epistemic and diplomatic authority may be indicative of a fate awaiting other specialized science diplomacy communities worldwide.

South Asian Science Diplomacy in a Nutshell

South Asian Science Diplomacy in a Nutshell

New architectures for bottom‐up science diplomacy: Learning from the evolving Portuguese diaspora in the UK

AbstractScientific diasporas and related non‐state actors have increasingly been coming into play to permeate and promote modern science diplomacy. However, these non‐formal collaborative architectures are particularly complex to sustain, and their systematic and long‐term action rely very much on conjunctural and, above all, individual engagement. The paper provides a multi‐stakeholder perspective that analyses the creation, during the lead‐up to Brexit, of the first ever scientific advisory board (SAB) at a Portuguese Embassy. In particular, it focuses on the interplay between bottom‐up diaspora initiatives and top‐down government actions. Our evidence is based on the experience of the development of a non‐formal and non‐hierarchical collaborative architecture established between Portuguese diplomats and the Portuguese scientific diaspora in the United Kingdom in the time of Brexit. The paper draws on lessons learnt that could be useful to other countries when engaging with their respective scientific diasporas.

Rethinking marine plastics pollution: Science diplomacy and multi-level governance.

As a result of the cost and limitations of the current international mechanisms, there is currently no incentive for individual countries to take action against marine plastic pollution.Science diplomacy and multi-level governance can contribute to international cooperation, foreign policy and national strategies.Leading efforts to engage countries with fewer scientific and technological capabilities could benefit countries' foreign policy.