Science & Diplomacy - What Do People Say?
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Science & Diplomacy - What Do People Say?
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Science & Diplomacy - What Do People Say?
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1.1Advanced AI1.2QuantumRevolution1.3UnconventionalComputing1.4AugmentedReality1.5CollectiveIntelligence2.1CognitiveEnhancement2.2HumanApplicationsof GeneticEngineering2.3HealthspanExtension2.4ConsciousnessAugmentation2.5Organoids2.6FutureTherapeutics3.1Decarbonisation3.2EarthSystemsModelling3.3FutureFoodSystems3.4SpaceResources3.5OceanStewardship3.6SolarRadiationModification3.7InfectiousDiseases4.1Science-basedDiplomacy4.2Advancesin ScienceDiplomacy4.3Foresight,Prediction,and FuturesLiteracy4.4Democracy-affirmingTechnologies5.1ComplexSystemsScience5.2Futureof Education5.3Future Economics,Trade andGlobalisation5.4The Scienceof theOrigins of Life5.5SyntheticBiology
1.1Advanced AI1.2QuantumRevolution1.3UnconventionalComputing1.4AugmentedReality1.5CollectiveIntelligence2.1CognitiveEnhancement2.2HumanApplicationsof GeneticEngineering2.3HealthspanExtension2.4ConsciousnessAugmentation2.5Organoids2.6FutureTherapeutics3.1Decarbonisation3.2EarthSystemsModelling3.3FutureFoodSystems3.4SpaceResources3.5OceanStewardship3.6SolarRadiationModification3.7InfectiousDiseases4.1Science-basedDiplomacy4.2Advancesin ScienceDiplomacy4.3Foresight,Prediction,and FuturesLiteracy4.4Democracy-affirmingTechnologies5.1ComplexSystemsScience5.2Futureof Education5.3Future Economics,Trade andGlobalisation5.4The Scienceof theOrigins of Life5.5SyntheticBiology

Debate 4:

Science & Diplomacy

What Do People Say?

    Analysis of mainstream media articles, blog posts and scientific articles over a period of 12 months reveals that the overall sentiment towards Science and Diplomacy is largely positive.

    Key insights:

    Prediction and Foresight and Science-based Diplomacy display favourable sentiments of 78 per cent and 77 per cent respectively, reflecting optimism for future-readiness and diplomatic advancements driven by scientific insights. Although there is also recognition of existing challenges, such as scientific limitations and potential data validity issues, these subjects are considered significant pillars for global development.

    Democracy-Affirming Technologies harbouring 73 per cent positive sentiment underline the potential of technology-enhanced democratic processes. Its 7 per cent negative sentiment underlines concerns about security, misuse, and information manipulation, which underscores the need for robust regulatory measures.

    AI- & Metaverse-based Negotiation in Conflicts and Advances in Science Diplomacy show balanced sentiments. While optimism is apparent, with 58 per cent and 52 per cent positive sentiments respectively, the significant neutral and negative views reflect tentative confidence amidst concerns over technology's capacity to comprehend complex human interactions and potential risks in international collaborations.

    GenAI, Dual-Use & Non-Proliferation are associated with mixed sentiments with 52 per cent neutral, and 27 per cent negative. This dispersion indicates the complex emotions tied to the promise of revolutionising applications that come with associated ethical dilemmas.

    Positive sentiment is centered around:

    • Positive sentiment is associated with initiatives emphasising the enormous potential of digital technologies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and driving sustainable practices, focusing on “ethical AI”. The European Parliament committee’s AI Act has also received positive public sentiment, for factors including its ban on facial recognition in public spaces, predictive policing tools, and new transparency requirements for generative AI applications such as ChatGPT. Additional positive sentiment surrounds the European Union and the United States reaffirming their strong partnership and commitment to advancing transatlantic cooperation in various key areas through the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC), with a focus on building a prosperous and values-driven digital future.

    Neutral/mixed sentiment is centered around:

    • The need for diplomacy in the face of global challenges, such as climate change and international security concerns, is treated with a neutral sentiment in the media. While environmental protection increasingly takes centre stage, discussions also focus on how nations are grappling with health emergencies and the need for equitable vaccine distribution. Attitudes towards international relations are evolving, with a focus on creating a common shield against shared threats, and fostering economic, strategic, and cultural integration. Other media stories cover the theme of feminism in global politics, highlighting the interest in transforming traditional foreign relations through principles such as human rights, diversity, inclusive governance, non-discrimination, and climate justice.

    Negative sentiment is centered around:

    • The rapid advancement of AI is raising concerns about potential dangers, including the risk of weapons automation and AI systems outpacing human control. Media covering these converging risks demand proactive measures, including regulatory oversight, ethical considerations, and strategic planning to mitigate negative outcomes and secure a safer future. In Europe, concerns have also arisen regarding the future of global security and the role of the United States, especially in the context of nuclear warfare. Doubts are emerging about the US's reliability in guaranteeing European security, given internal political diversions, trade wars, and a perceived retreat from global commitments.