How investing in science diplomacy can improve international relations
NEGOTIATION Science and technology issues can often be at the forefront of several problems between countries and being well versed in the discipline can help resolve multilateral issues
Any country’s foreign policy cannot ignore science and its benefits. Diplomats, sometimes are missing the results of science on negotiation table because some of them are not well conversant in science, only in diplomacy. As a result, science at times, is parked at the outside of the table. Science diplomacy has a significant role to play, which can go a long way.
Diplomats from many developing countries are aware of scientific interpretation for signing of treaties and protocols but, they miss out the emerging issues of S&T. S&T issues are generally at the root of many trade controversies and disputes, which require greater understanding by trade negotiators or diplomats or even policy makers. The main objective of science diplomacy is to mobilize scientific and technological expertise to enable developing countries; diplomats and representatives to participate fully and to make informed decisions on emerging issues, where S&T play an important role. Perhaps, science is a powerful diplomatic tool for developing a strong foreign policy.
Science diplomacy is not new, it has a long history. Somehow, many other countries and India were late starter in recognizing the links between science and diplomacy. Sometimes, it is S&T diplomacy that becomes voice of leadership and prosperity, by linking S&T with foreign policy for regional and common benefits. It is a very good tool with limited resources for maximum results, keeping country’s principles & priorities on top of the agenda. Through S&T diplomacy, one can increase its international presence.
Strengthening S&T cooperation among developing countries for resolving global issues is quite beneficial. The countries having state-of-art facilities in S&T can contribute in ‘capacity development’ for developing countries by dispatching S&T researchers and scientific leaders, promoting research cooperation as well as establishment of joint facilities & international networks.
India has explored several possibilities of undertaking joint projects in third countries, e.g. Afghanistan, Mauritius, Maldives, Nepal and many countries in South-east Asia and Africa regions. Under India-african S&T initiatives, various programmes and activities have been implemented for further strengthening of value based cooperation to a new level to fight against hunger, poverty, terrorism and various deadly diseases. It is a part of our technology diplomacy by focussing on regions and projects that can utilise the relative strengths and our knowledge base for common good.
For doing so, mechanisms and resources for sustained S&T cooperation are needed. Building upon the success, holding of joint meetings, creation of joint centres, having common funds and foundations could utilise collaborative medium scale S&T research projects for enhancing South-south cooperation. Depending on success, mechanism for developing priorities for large scale or mega projects can also be considered. Given the closeness of South-south countries, geographically and the immense amount of goodwill and interaction that exist at the level of individual scientist, scientific relationship would benefit again from political commitments to major and large scale projects.
To happen this, barriers of mobility of scientists in both directions can be further minimized and increased level of dedicated support be explored. The success of 50:50 joint venture partnerships could be looked upon as one of the successful models, such as IndoFrench Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR/CEFIPRA), supported and funded by the two Governments of India and France for more than three decades.
With countries having differences at political level, science diplomacy through research cooperation and exchanges provides a good avenue for keeping channels of communication open and for improving relations between those countries. The countries which cannot be brought together can work jointly through science diplomacy and remove the barriers while working together on S&T.
It is neither desirable nor possible to convert diplomats into scientists, nor scientists into diplomats; it is useful for them to understand each others’ language and compulsions. It is, therefore, desirable that the “Foreign Policy Institutes” in each country can enhance capacity in science diplomacy by conducting courses with several relevant sessions. USA has a Centre for Science Diplomacy and helps in identifying the areas for foreign policy. Japan has a formal policy on science diplomacy. Other countries like UK, France have several plans and programmes to drive bilateral research with strategically important countries.
Many countries have educational scholarships and programmes like science festivals, exhibitions, knowledge summit, technology summit, mobility funds or even academic tours. India is one of such countries, giving importance to science diplomacy by launching SAARC space satellite and many initiatives, such as Make in India, Incredible India, Digital India etc. with a motive of Sab Ka Sath Sab Ka Vikas (together we go with collective efforts & inclusive growth).
There are three conceptual categories of Science Diplomacy like ‘’Science in Diplomacy’’, ‘’Diplomacy for Science’’ and ‘’Science for Diplomacy’’. But, “Diplomacy in Science” is certainly not required. If it happens, then Science will die, which is an undesirable & deadly situation. Science Diplomacy and S&T cooperation go hand in hand and sometimes, beyond national boundaries to solve the common problems.