OADI 2135 - Science DIplomacy : the next frontline to global challenges?

***UPDATED for 2021/22***

This course - first of this kind at Sciences Po- is dedicated to the theory and practice of science diplomacy. Science diplomacy is a new multidisciplinary field dedicated to the analysis of the relations between Science & Technology (ST) in international affairs.

Older than the concept of “soft power” (by Joseph Nye in his essay Bound to Lead, 1990), that of "science diplomacy" remains under-conceptualised in public diplomacy. Science diplomacy is more than a phenomena of politicisation of science and the scientization of politics. Mainly developed in the 2000s, the concept covers three key dimensions: diplomacy at the service of science (diplomacy for science), inversely, science at the service of diplomacy (science for diplomacy), and finally, the scientific stakes and expertise at the heart of geopolitical evolutions, whether of a state, a multilateral or a non-governmental institution (science in diplomacy).

Learning Outcomes

1. Understanding the world of science in the framework of public policies

2. Informing and raising awareness on the major ST global issues (climate change, AI, COVID-19, bioethics, innovation, human development, etc.) facing the world with an approach able to integrate both humanities and life sciences

3. Informing and raising awareness on the political challenges, at the global level, linked to emerging scientific powers and authoritarian states.

Professional Skills

1. Master the methodology of the policy brief

3. Develop tools to work with science

4. Mapping of the actors of scientific diplomacy

5. Understanding how to build bridges between science and diplomacy in the service both of diplomacy and science by giving the key skills scientists, diplomats and consultants need to learn

Stéphanie BALME,Marcel MÜLLER

Séminaire

English

- Attendance: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester

Spring 2022-2023

(i) Class participation: 10%. This grade appreciates the students' contribution to the group's reflection off the class (e.g. through sending relevant information or remarks over emails to the group). Students may address emails to the entire class by typing a code in the message recipient line from their Sciences Po's email account (TBD).

(ii) Negotiation, simulation, debates/ mid-term: 40%. 3 sessions of negotiations/simulations/debates will be organized throughout the semester. Based on topics related to the readings, class materials, and readings, and on the basis of the readings and personal research, students are expected to defend a position in a role-playing or debating context. Each session will last about 1 hour and will involve about 8 students.

(iii) A policy brief (50%) of 5 pages: A typical format would be a single A4 sheet x 5 pages, single-spaced pages, excluding the bibliography, times new roman 12. A policy brief is a concise summary of a particular issue, the policy options to deal with it, and possibly some recommendations on the best option. It is aimed at government policymakers and others who are interested in formulating or influencing policy. It has an attractive design, and may have one or more photographs. Deadline: TBD.

Individual tutorial sessions will be scheduled during the semester. These sessions will be used to review the progress and questions about the class but also to talk about the professional perspectives. The policy briefs and discussion sessions will also be the subject of personal written feedback on the qualities and areas for improvement of both assignments.