Significance of Developing Georgian Scientific Diplomacy in the Information Era
Ivliane Dzneladze
Abstract
The article outlines challenges associated with modern diplomacy: the context of sectoral diplomacy, rising trends of scientific diplomacy, and the significance of relations with the international community. The novelty proposed in this article concerns the seeking of optimal sectors for the development of Georgian diplomacy within the framework of global integratory processes.
The concentration of information in the sphere of contemporary international relations has manifested the necessity for modernization, which, in turn, resulted in the establishment of sectoral diplomacy as a concept.
Sectoral diplomacy focuses on a narrow specialization within the wider spectrum of diplomatic activity. The global popularization of said dimension built the foundations for the category of scientific diplomacy. The goal of scientific diplomacy is to deepen cooperation in the field of knowledge among states based on scientific research methods, thus, establishing constructive partnership formats across the international arena.
When it comes to Georgia we are provided with the basis for the development of the prospects of scientific diplomacy by the multifaceted phenomenon of Georgian diplomacy and the history of science.
Diplomacy is a means to achieving integratory relations. It possesses the ability to quickly adapt to the ongoing changes in the field of insertional relations. The function of contemporary diplomacy can be broken down into three significant factors: 1) peaceful protection of one’s national interests;1 2) initiation/development of dialogue among the active subjects of the global civilization;* 3) combatting central challenges of planetary scale.
Non-state actors have made an appearance on the main stage of the current system of inter-state relations (Transnational Corporations, International organizations, civil society organizations, etc.). The increased influence of said subjects on international politics is apparent. This definitely significantly widened the scope of diplomatic activity, birthing the necessity to develop sectoral specialization in international relations.
There exists an opinion that Ministries responsible for foreign affairs are quick to adapt to fundamental changes in global diplomacy. Researchers of international relations also discuss the possibility to determine current trends in diplomacy based on the behaviours and strategic prioritization on behalf of the aforementioned diplomatic institutions.2
In this regard, within the framework of the capability for adaptation to the novelties on the international arena, it is of particular importance to pay attention to national science and the strengthening of diplomatic relations on the global scale. It is significant to determine the role of Georgian diplomacy and science as this process takes place. The introduction of the term – ‘Polidiplomacy’ in the field of higher education in Georgia can be considered as a first step towards this, which concerns the differentiation of diplomatic activity, and the development of innovative learning programs intended to regulate the said system.3
The Madrid declaration, adopted with the support of the EU, defined scientific diplomacy as a linking chain of science, technology, and national interests. The document underscores that scientific diplomacy significantly widens the scope of diplomatic activity, ensuring active engagement of the international scientific community in the fight against global challenges.4
Scientific diplomacy is also understood as one of the dimensions of soft power politics, which is directed towards the popularization of scientific advancements made by various states on the global arena.5 In turn, scientific diplomacy encompasses the following dimensions:
- Science in Diplomacy confirms the special role of science in determining foreign policy. It is considered an optimal tool in terms of combatting global challenges (pandemics, lack of resources, inequality, climate change, poverty, illiteracy, etc.);
- Diplomacy for Science concerns the seeking of pathways for exchanging scientific breakthroughs/products made on the national level among the international community;
- Science for Diplomacy entails the art of utilization of scientific breakthroughs in terms of achieving diplomatic goals, underscoring the role of science in the process of formulation of strategic documents.6 Naturally, Ministries in charge of foreign affairs receive the exclusive privilege of using said tools.
The trend of development of scientific diplomacy as a field within the wider framework of diplomacy has birthed the necessity for ‘Science Diplomats’, for whom a number of researchers have already determined the fundamental functions and responsibilities: 1) facilitation of academic cooperation among nations; 2) presenting scientific breakthroughs/products made on the national level to the international community; 3) initiation of agreements in the field of science among international actors.7
It is also noteworthy that international journals receive more and more publications concerning ‘Science Diplomats’ on a daily basis. It can be argued that demand for such highly specialized professionals will only continue to increase in the future.8These realities provide additional opportunities for Georgia in terms of determining particular functions and responsibilities of ‘Science Diplomats’, based on the needs of the state.
The spatial function of scientific diplomacy directly rests on the shoulders of the so-called ‘scientific hubs’. Such networks include: S&T and Innovation Hubs of Boston and San Francisco; Swissnex; UK Science and Innovation Network;9 Horizon Europe; AAAS; WTAS; etc.
It is notable that such spaces play a crucial role in scientific diplomacy, which is further confirmed by the establishment of annual summer school projects concerning the development of scientific diplomacy in recent years among said institutions, along with lecture courses, training programs, and international conferences.10
Rising interest towards the theme of scientific diplomacy is also expressed by the EU. A digital platform, “Conference on the Future of Europe”, has already been set up, which aims to bring third-country citizens, science and research organizations, as well as the EU, closer together. The platform is unique in essence, providing the opportunity to organize discussion events for scientific purposes regarding the following issues: climate change, environmental protection, social issues, the economy, digital transformation, European values, security, the role of the EU on the international arena, etc.11
The role of scientists in the process of foreign policy formulation is underscored in the “Georgian Foreign Policy Strategy 2019-2022”. One of the objectives outlined in said document concerns the identification of foreign scientific centers in order to set up cooperation and present Georgia as an attractive country for developing capabilities in terms of scientific hubs.12
As the concentration of information continues to grow specialists of the field have underlined the advantageous nature of scientific diplomacy. According to one Austrian diplomat, the realization of the impacts of science on foreign policy can act as a precondition for the conduction of successful diplomacy overall. In this regard, the significance of rapid communications is underscored, which has, in itself, become a separate branch of science.13
Under the conditions of the Information Civilization**14 the development of scientific diplomacy acquires particular significance. This has also, in part, been promulgated by the destabilization of the global political order, creating vagueness for nations in terms of global integratory processes.
The existing environment demands scientific solutions for global challenges15 via the means of creating the foundations for the emergence of a new line of diplomats.16 Modern challenges require modern solutions, immediate and skills-oriented in nature, which, in turn, represents another driving force for the support of the development of scientific diplomacy.
Scientific diplomacy is among the emerging sectors of international relations. Furthermore, it is expected for it to become a form of natural integration into the global civilization which has begun to emerge. The development of scientific diplomacy will make another tool available for Georgia to diversify its paths towards the implementation of foreign policy objectives.
In tandem with the aforementioned parameters, it is important that more attention be diverted towards the development of scientific diplomacy in terms of the future process of formulation of foreign policy strategy for Georgia. Additionally, it is preferable to separately define the role and functions of Georgian scientific diplomacy in the next strategic document of such nature.
https://mfa.gov.ge/MainNav/ForeignPolicy/ForeignPolicyStrategy.aspx?lang=ka-GE (Last Accessed on: June 15, 2021). [13] Treacy, S. (2021). „Getting science diplomacy out of its silo“. TWAS. https://twas.org/article/getting-science-diplomacy-out-its-silo (Last accessed on: May 16, 2021). [14] Khvichia, E. (2012). „ინფორმაციული ცივილიზაცია გლობალიზებულ სამყაროში და საქართველო“, Dissertation. 7. [15] Ibid., 15-16. [16] Omotosho, M. O. (2019). “Information Revolution and Growing Power of Communication: A Foundation of New Diplomacy.” Jadavpur Journal of International Relations, 23(2), 142–157.
Endnote:
* The term has been adopted in order to underscore that the current global civilization has reached the precipice of globalization, forming as a separate phenomenon.
** Information Civilization entails the development of a global technological structure providing the opportunity of dissemination and unlimited usage of information independently from its original owner.
* Ivliane Dzneladze – Attaché, Department of European Integration, Eastern Partnership, EU Policy Planning and Analysis Division, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
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