Diplomatic narratives on science, technology and innovation: power, cooperation and perspectives from Brazil as a developing country
Journal Title: Conjuntura Austral: journal of the Global South - Year 2020, Vol 11, Issue 54
Abstract
Science diplomacy has recently become a buzzword in policy and in academic discussions. Definitions and approaches have been informed by literature produced by practitioners of science diplomacy situated in developed countries. This article maps and systematizes narratives authored by Brazilian diplomats on science, technology and innovation (STI) and their connections with international relations dynamics and issues, such as power, cooperation, development, security and the environment. By addressing pieces produced by practitioners as narratives, rather than as scientific categories that describe and analyze social phenomena, the article explores how STI is perceived and framed by Brazilian diplomats. The methodology included the selection and systematization of publications authored by ministers of Foreign Affairs, in whose diplomatic writings the words “science”, “technology”, “innovation” and their variants were searched; and pieces on STI produced by career diplomats. Writing from the perspective of Brazil as a developing country, most of reviewed pieces hold a highly critical view towards the international dimensions of STI, which are not seen as politically neutral. However, none of the diplomats disagree on the need for Brazil and other developing countries to build STI capacities as a means to accumulate power and/or to develop. International cooperation on different geometries is seen as crucial for that though perceptions on the effectiveness of North-South and South-South STI cooperation can vary.
Authors and Affiliations
Iara Costa Leite, Júlia Mascarello, Nicole Aguilar Gayard
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP683731
- DOI https://doi.org/10.22456/2178-8839.100675
- Views 175
- Downloads 0
Robotization: Political and Security Implications of the Use of Drones in the Digital Age
This essay poses some initial reflections on (1) how drones relate to the cyberspace and (2) how they affect the conduct of war in the 21st century. In addition, it explores (3) the theoretical and practical relationship...
Global reconfiguration: global fractures and geo / economic / political / strategic changes
This investigation starts from the premise, according to which, we are witnessing a change of epoch that began with a transition stage, which begins with the fall of the Berlin wall and ends in 2001 with the collapse of...
“It’s lobbying, stupid!”: How foreign interest groups impair Brazilian trade negotiations
Over the last years, Brazil has aimed its trade policy at new trade agreements. Nevertheless, the country’s trade negotiations face serious difficulties in what regards agricultural goods. The foreign lobby has a relevan...
Book Review: military power: explaining victory and defeat in modern battle
Por que ganhadores vencem e perdedores perdem? O que define a vitória ou a derrota no campo de batalha? Seriam os avanços tecnológicos as únicas variáveis a serem consideradas no processo de modernização da Guerra? Estas...
Explorers, Missionaries, Scientists and the Opening of the Amazon
With a starting point on historical analysis already carried out and consultation on primary sources, this article aims to narrate the story of the opening of the Amazon River to international trade and navigation. The h...