How do members of parliament of different political parties discuss ‘science diplomacy’ – broadly speaking all activities at the intersection of science and foreign policy – on the parliamentary floor over time? We address this question against the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and analyse 72 speeches on science and Russia from the German and British parliament between February 2014 and December 2022. Our analysis reveals similarities and differences in how science diplomacy is discussed in the German Bundestag and the British House of Commons, how party views on science diplomacy in relation to Russia differ and how said views change over time. In so doing, our study shows that national science and policy ecosystems with their specific institutions and actors shape science diplomacy debates, including in times of war.
Policy implications
- Science diplomacy can be used for competitive and collaborative ends. Policymakers should be aware of the dual logic of science diplomacy and balance it depending on the broader political climate as well as the specific interests, values, risks and principles that are at stake.
- If science diplomacy advocates want the concept to be high on the agenda of parliamentarians, they should more firmly embed the discussion on advantages and disadvantages of using science diplomacy in fora close to parliament.
- Cultural and educational intermediaries play a key role in shaping a country's science diplomacy strategy. Policymakers should be in close and frequent exchange with such intermediaries to streamline and improve their national science diplomacy approach.
- When considering the use of science diplomacy tools, policymakers should bear in mind that the autonomy of science is a valuable asset that can be compromised by excessively instrumentalising it for foreign policy objectives.
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