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1/ Some thoughts on the important critique of the #sciencediplomacy discourse by @S4D4C’s @tim_flink https://brill.com/view/journals/hjd/aop/article-10.1163-1871191X-BJA10032/article-10.1163-1871191X-BJA10032.xml?language=en
2/ For a multidisciplinary field, #sciencediplomacy has ignored entire fields and disciplines that implicitly embed SD or have been studying for a long time. It‘s also been portrayed as the history of “great men” of science and of diplomacy, and neglected non-Western dimensions.
3/ It also portrays scientists as “inherently good-natured” & a rosy picture of intl science cooperation for “the betterment of humanity.” I too had this naïve view as a biochemistry student -but this ignores a history of scientific colonialism, imperialism, racism, mysoginy, etc
4/ Now, after 6 years training 1000s of people in #sciencediplomacy around the world, I will say that most young scientists I have encountered do genuinely hold these aspirational views of science.
5/ They are dissatisfied with the systemic issues of academia and see SD as a vehicle to use their science to positively impact society (based on 1000s application essays I‘ve read). And guess which scientists are the most interested in SD? Women and underrepresented groups.
6/ This means many young scientists have come to see SD as an escape route from academia. But as @tim_flink illustrates, an understanding of STS, geopolitics, IR, history, economics, sociology, security, law & global governance is essential to gain a critical perspective.
7/ A handful of countries offer #scipol fellowships placing PhD scientists in govt to learn on the job for a year or two. More of these programs should be created around the world & should invite more social scientists. I wrote this report with @AAAS_STPF https://www.aaas.org/resources/connecting-scientists-policy-around-world
8/ Finally, #sciencediplomacy has so far been taught through extracurricular courses & workshops. Universities can offer courses to STEM students to better equip them with knowledge & skills to engage in #sciencediplomacy scholarship & practice @jcmauduit https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2020.00138/full
