A Comparative Study of Scientific Diplomacy Model of Regional and Transregional Powers

Science is a global phenomenon which is not confined to geopolitical boundaries. Science acquisition primarily requires motivation, great interest and diligence. Scientists are global citizens. The ability of the scientific societies to go beyond the demarcated boundaries of nations and geography is known to all. The future world empire will be created by those who plan to control science. As an advanced form of knowledge, science has officially recognized the privileges of soft power in the emerging knowledge-based world economy. Applying the capacity of scientific diplomacy in realization of foreign policy objectives is among the acceptable assumptions in this approach. The main question before this paper to respond, is this: Are there certain models in connection with scientific diplomacy? The results, attained through comparative study of scientific diplomacy in regional and transregional countries, suggest that all countries possess a concentrated model of scientific diplomacy, although it is of a concentrated partnership model (role of non-governmental organizations) in the United States. These models vary in terms of objectives. In American model, science and technology are used to boost US power in international arena, while Turkish model pursues science acquisition. In European Union model, science is at the service of EU soft power, and in Indian model science and politics serve each other. In all these models, the states have primarily embarked on inking cooperation agreements. In the next stage, the scientific advisor undertakes the role of making the agreement operational through formation of joint committees. Membership in international scientific bodies is another measure by the states to that end. This paper intends to study various models of scientific diplomacy in regional and transregional powers through a comparative method of research.