Science Diplomacy for the Future

Science diplomacy encompasses many aspects of science, technology, and innovation. Initiatives come from national governments, international organizations, non-governmental institutions, individual scientists, and by collaborations among many actors. When practiced by governments, science diplomacy often depends upon scientific and technical experts being involved in international scientific engagements to achieve diplomatic goals for national interest. Non-governmental scientific organizations can engage in science diplomacy to achieve their own scientific and diplomatic goals. Some of the most successful science diplomacy initiatives have involved collaboration among governmental and non-governmental actors. I have been fortunate to have participated in a “golden era” for American science diplomacy when the governmental and science community goals were pretty closely aligned.



The new geopolitics presents staggering challenges altering the practice of science diplomacy. The ability to carry out international scientific and technological collaborations is being affected by security concerns and conflicts. That is especially true in areas of fundamental research close to technological advances that have the potential to create significant advantages and threats. That is affecting the global advance of science and technology as well as the ability of countries to collaborate to solve global challenges. It is also negatively affecting the ability of the U.S. as well as other countries to attract talent from around the world. The use of science diplomacy as a “window of communication” between estranged countries is disappearing.



What that means for “science diplomacy for the future” will be different for every country. In the U.S. there will be a need for non-governmental science organizations like the APS to take an even larger role. For countries where the goals of the government and science community are better aligned, there is the potential for collaboration. The need for diplomacy has increased with the accelerating scientific and technological revolution with its unpredictable impacts appearing quickly, including threats to be managed and benefits to be secured. Science alone cannot solve our problems—only people can—but science diplomacy can help.