Building Bridges Through Science Diplomacy in the Mediterranean: Speaking a Common Language

Introduction

According to certain international historians, science is credited with establishing the idea of “international” as a spatial concept and an “international system” (Cawood, 1979). Science diplomacy is a term that refers to the intersection of science, technology, and foreign policy. It is a relatively new concept, emerging in the early 21st century as a response to the increasing recognition of the importance of science and technology in addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and public health. The roots of science diplomacy can be traced back to the Cold War, when scientific exchanges and collaborations played a role in preventing nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union. However, the term itself only gained traction in the 2000s, with the launch of initiatives such as the US National Science Foundation's Science Diplomacy program and the European Union's Science Diplomacy Cluster. Today, science diplomacy is seen as an important tool for building bridges between nations, promoting scientific cooperation, and addressing global challenges. It involves a range of activities, from scientific exchanges and collaborations to the use of scientific evidence to inform foreign policy decisions. As the world becomes more interconnected and complex, the role of science diplomacy is likely to become increasingly important in shaping the future of international relations.. It is categorized into four types, namely, diplomacy for science, science for diplomacy, science in diplomacy, and diplomacy in science. Within this framework, science is broadly defined as encompassing knowledge of both natural and social sciences, including both fundamental and applied aspects, as well as innovation and technological advancements. In contrast, diplomacy is described as the skill and process of creating international relationships between governing bodies through dialogue, negotiation, and collaboration (Berridge, 2010). This differentiation highlights the presence of two distinct groups- scientists and diplomats- each with their unique traditions, ethics, knowledge, and skills. It is critical to bridge this gap by promoting shared knowledge and expertise between professionals in both fields (Moomaw, 2018). Effective science diplomacy necessitates a thorough understanding of the knowledge and competencies that scientists and diplomats should acquire from each other to facilitate better collaboration. Preparing the upcoming generation of scientists, diplomats, and interdisciplinary professionals to tackle global problems that require multidisciplinary cooperation requires additional efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the significance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges . Cooperation is seen as a critical avenue to make substantial strides in combating not only pandemics but also pressing issues such as climate change. International scientific and technological collaboration has the potential to create personal relationships based on mutual respect and trust across international boundaries. These relationships can lead to unexpected benefits when scientists and engineers participate actively in international diplomacy concerning significant global scientific and technological challenges, such as climate change. The collaborative nature of scientific and technological research enables individuals to work together, share knowledge, and build bridges across cultural and political divides. This can foster new perspectives, innovative solutions, and a better understanding of global challenges, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions for issues impacting the global community.