Scienсе Diplomacy as a Tool for Achieving Foreign Policy Goals

Received 13.01.2021. The article discusses the main approaches to the phenomenon of science diplomacy. This paper aims to consider the possibilities of using science diplomacy not only as a tool to reduce tensions between countries, but also as a tool for foreign policy influence. Most modern Western researchers believe that the goals of science diplomacy are reduced exclusively to creating an apolitical atmosphere for solving important global problems. When we are considering science diplomacy from a realistic point of view, the concept can be outlined through national interest, pragmatic public administration, gaining influence and maintaining the balance of power. In the study, the author proves that one of the main goals of science diplomacy is to strengthen the influence of the state through the promotion of national science, as a result of which it will be easier for the interested subject of international relations to achieve its foreign policy goals. The tools of science diplomacy can be successfully used by the state to increase its international influence beyond territorial borders, open the way to gaining a greater international status, and legitimize its ambitions. The author believes that the currently existing definitions of science diplomacy do not fully disclose its content. In this regard, the paper attempts to give a new comprehensive definition of the term, taking into account aspects related to its foreign policy influence. Science diplomacy, according to the author, is a deliberate international activity of the state through controlled scientific organizations and foundations in order to strengthen interaction with other countries, provide them with information influence and promote its interests in the international arena. The article concludes that Russia should conceptualize the domestic model of “soft power” taking into account science diplomacy, as well as begin to take practical steps to research technologies of protection from a possible “soft” impact of science by other states. Acknowledgements. The article has been supported by a grant of the Russian Science Foundation. Project no. 19-78-00047.