The field of science diplomacy seeks to establish an evidence-informed foundation for this kind of endeavour. This foundation will support and empower the increasingly diverse set of stakeholders who practice science diplomacy — it is not just nations, but non-governmental actors, groups of citizens and indigenous communities, for instance — through the challenges ahead. Climate change, especially with the rapid opening of ice-free routes through the Arctic Ocean and the geopolitical tensions this is creating, is one of the many key proving grounds for this work.
“Big science” projects are also part of this diplomatic landscape, requiring long term technical and diplomatic engagement among a broad group of stakeholders. These diverse groups must also find ways to manage traditional and emerging global commons fairly and effectively. A final challenge is to find ways to build capacities and evaluate this work, to create a continual cycle of learning and improvement in the practice of science diplomacy.
SELECTION OF GESDA BEST READS AND KEY REPORTS:
In June 2023, researchers from Germany and Russia unveiled a fresh perspective on the interplay of science and international affairs in Science diplomacy from a nation-state’s perspective: a general framing and its application to Global South countries. Grounded in International Relations theories, the article spotlights how developing nations harness science diplomacy to address internal challenges while bolstering their global stature. US researchers published a provocative argument entitled Want to speed up scientific progress? First understand how science policy works in August. Their article champions the transformative value of “use-inspired” science-policy research. By highlighting the potential of academia-policy collaborations and urging a paradigm shift in academic norms, this article resonates with the pressing need to enhance science's societal contributions. In September, Ian Bremmer and Mustafa Suleyman published The AI Power Paradox, which delves into the profound and multifaceted ramifications of unchecked AI proliferation. Proposing a reimagined global governance model, the article offers an anticipatory framework to navigate the intricate nexus of emerging technologies and geopolitics, thereby enriching the ongoing discourse on AI's role in world affairs.
