A Primer on Science Diplomacy
Science diplomacy is a fast-growing field of research focused on the understanding of the linkages between science, technology, innovation, and international affairs to address national and global challenges e.g., climate change, COVID-19 pandemic. No nation can progress without science and technology, and more than ever, countries need to engage and cooperate with one another.
This primer highlights key aspects about science diplomacy that we hope to inspire and spark the interest of the MCAA community and beyond on the value, science brings to global diplomacy.
What is Science Diplomacy?
According to the European Union Science Diplomacy Alliance, “science diplomacy is broadly understood as a series of practices that stand at the intersection of the two fields: science and diplomacy. These practices can help to address global challenges, promote understanding, and increase influence and prosperity.”
Why is Science important to Global Diplomacy?
There are several reasons, including:
- Science is a universal language. The ideas are translatable to every culture.
- Science is in principle a neutral language, or at least, it should be. It is a language of information and a safe space for nations to collaborate.
- Science is rational. It progresses logically from one step to the other, with every step requiring evidence.
- Science is transparent. Every step has to be visible in order to be reproducible.
- Science is non-ideological. It should not be linked to political views or judgements, and all the uncertainties must be accurately represented.
Science vs Diplomacy
Conducting diplomacy does differ from conducting research.
- The time-scale for research is long. Publishing a paper can take years. On the other hand, in diplomacy, the time-scale for action can be very short, e.g., a few hours.
- Availability of information. In research, we rely on a lot of evidence available. In diplomacy, one might not have all the details for decision-making, and the information is not always reliable.
- Experimentation is essential and crucial when it comes to science but it’s not an option for diplomacy.
However, science and diplomacy have several things in common including the analytical approach, trust and relationships. Science and diplomacy not only can benefit but need each other. Science is a process for pursuing answers and diplomacy is a process for dialogue and cooperation between nations, preventing conflicts and sustaining peace while helping nations to work productively together to benefit all.
Three Dimensions of Science Diplomacy
Science diplomacy has been divided into three phenomena:
- Science for diplomacy — the use of science to advance diplomatic objectives.
- Diplomacy for science — the use of diplomatic action to further scientific and technological progress.
- Science in diplomacy — the direct involvement of science or scientific actors in diplomatic processes.
Who are the Science Diplomacy Stakeholders?
According to the nature of their work, different science diplomacy stakeholders are identified:
- Governmental stakeholders: involving nation states and subnational governments in science diplomacy.
- Intergovernmental and supranational stakeholders: in other words, multilateral international and supranational organisations that transcend national boundaries and that are directly engaged in global governance.
- Research and academic stakeholders: research and academic actors with a stake in science diplomacy cover from research councils to universities, research centres, national academies, learned societies, and also individual researchers.
- Private sector stakeholders: including private companies, which can be trans- or multi-national companies as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), can be also involved in science diplomacy.
- Civil society stakeholders: including national and transnational NGOs, civil society organisations, private charities, and even individuals acting as science diplomacy actors.
What has the Antarctic Treaty to do with Science Diplomacy?
One of the great global examples that shows how science represents a neutral environment that stimulates diplomatic discussions on global challenges is Antarctica.
Antarctica has no indigenous people, no one really goes there except, nowadays, scientists. It wasn’t initially a scientific station but a military base until the Antarctic Treaty was signed by twelve countries in 1959, which became a good model for diplomacy and science. The Antarctic Treaty defined Antarctica as an entity for scientific research purposes, no military activities being allowed. All the politics were put aside while keeping Antarctica a neutral playground for the world.
Thus, science plays a role in how we communicate and how we make decisions. It requires technical knowledge and expertise including issues on environmental protection. As Dr. Melody Brown Burkins, Director of the Institute of Arctic Studies shared during a recent MCAA Swiss Science and Diplomacy webinar: “You get everyone on the table for discussions on sustainable, inclusive and equitable solutions. Inclusive science diplomacy is about coproduction of knowledge, respect of knowledge sovereignty, and the respect of diverse knowledge systems.”
What Skills are needed to be a Science Diplomat?
Depending on your main background, you can either broaden your knowledge on foreign policy and international relations if you come from a STEM field, or on international science, technology and innovation if you come from a diplomatic background.
The Science Diplomat’s Toolbox mentions negotiation skills, languages and intercultural communications including careful listening, attentiveness to nuance, and responsiveness to tone among other skills as summarised below.
Science diplomacy is an excellent opportunity to contribute and facilitate the dialogue especially on the emerging global challenges for which scientific evidence is key to ensure the best decisions are made.
This article summarises principles and ideas on science diplomacy based on the MCAA Swiss Science and Diplomacy Webinar, the S4D4C European Science Diplomacy Online Course, and the AAAS Center for Science Diplomacy Introductory Online Course.
Authors
Nicoleta Spînu, Vice-chair of the MCAA Communication Working Group
Theodota Lagouri, Chair of the MCAA Swiss Chapter
