The Evolution of Science Diplomacy
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1111/1758-5899.12622 |
| Date | 01 November 2018 |
| Published date | 01 November 2018 |
| Author | Vaughan Turekian |
The Evolution of Science Diplomacy
Vaughan Turekian
University College, London
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed the emergence of science diplomacy, both as a formalized set of operations and new field of
study and research (Lord and Turekian 2007, 2009). A number of factors continue to drive this trend, but the most important
one is the recognition that (1) more and more, major challenges are international in nature and that (2) science and its appli-
cations are part of the cause as well as the cure. As a result, while much of the international science regime is still focused on
discovery, there is an increasing need/demand for the integration of science cooperation in international relations. This article
provides a brief overview of the evolution of science diplomacy over the past decades (and beyond) with special focus on
recent developments. It will conclude by looking forward.
No quick definition: a pragmatic approach to
science diplomacy
Despite the long history of the relationship between science
and diplomacy, the term ‘science diplomacy’is a phe-
nomenon of the 21st century. Since then there have been
numerous efforts to define science diplomacy, which have
produced different typologies of operations and motivations
associated with science diplomacy. However, for the pur-
pose of providing its historical context, it is sufficient to con-
ceive of science diplomacy as simply the effort to leverage
science engagement and exchange in support of broader
objectives beyond science discovery (Gluckman et al. 2017).
As such, science diplomacy is not primarily motivated by
the creation of new knowledge (though it does not preclude
such an outcome). Given this approach, it is critical to recog-
nize a few other characteristics of science diplomacy. First, it
is not ad hoc. While much of the scientific endeavor is dri-
ven by unplanned interactions, science diplomacy has a
more strategic approach. Second, science diplomacy is dri-
ven by institutions. Whether it be governments, universities,
private sector and civil society, science diplomacy requires a
link to an institutional arrangement. This also implies that
even though individual scientists can be diplomatic (or not)
and are often the key protagonists in the execution of
science diplomacy, for it to be successful as international
practice science diplomacy also needs to feed back into the
broader objectives of the institutional set-up that support it
in the first place.
A long history of science diplomacy
Given this brief description, there is little doubt that science
(and its applications) has been utilized as a means to an
ends for much of human history. The Peace Treaty between
Ramesses II and Hattusili III completed in 1300 BC is one of
the most cited examples of a formalized agreement
between two societies, as the written record of the agree-
ment from both sides survived. And while the treaty itself
did not identify technical cooperation, the strengthening of
the relationship between the two adversaries could be
demonstrated through a simple exchange focused on
science. Egyptologist Massimo Franci describes an exchange
between the two monarchs in which Hattusili sends a mes-
sage to Ramesses asking, ‘could you send me one of your
doctors to help my sister get pregnant?’
1
While the ancient use of science (or more accurately med-
ical) diplomacy was unique given its personal connection
between leaders, the use of technical to build connections
is by no means unprecedented. In the late 18th century, the
American Colonies dispatched Benjamin Franklin as its Min-
ister to France in the hope of securing support in the colo-
nies’efforts in revolution against the British. The choice of
Franklin, demonstrates the power of individuals working
within a system of diplomacy. While the American diplomat
had many advantages in connecting with the French gov-
ernment, it was his reputation and achievements as a scien-
tist and innovator that allowed him to establish common
ground as it demonstrated that like the French, the leaders
of the rebellion were men of the Enlightenment –an impor-
tant mark of legitimacy and civility to the upper classes of
Europe.
Numerous other examples of the link between science
and diplomacy from the 18th and 19th century abound,
including the creation of the Foreign Secretary position
within the British Royal Society years before the founding of
the UK’s Foreign Office. However, science as a broad basis
for diplomacy truly reached a hay day during the Cold War.
During this period institutions such as UNESCO, the Interna-
tional Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, and the IAEA
among others were created as ways to link scientists from
East and West, from developed and developing countries, in
an effort to maintain some degree of global connectivity
even in the face of great power tensions. In Europe, CERN
Global Policy (2018) 9:Suppl.3 doi: 10.1111/1758-5899.12622 ©2018 University of Durham and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global Policy Volume 9 . Supplement 3 . November 2018 5
Special Issue Article
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