Science Diplomacy Course

 

The course DHP P259 Science Diplomacy: Environmental Security and Law in the Arctic Ocean was co-taught via video-link by Professors Paul Arthur Berkman of The Fletcher School and Alexander Vylegzhanin of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) of the Russian Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, and Spring 2020.

Held in partnership between the Russia and Eurasia Program and the Science Diplomacy Center at The Fletcher School, the class addressed the elements of science diplomacy that apply across our civilization: understanding of changes over time and space; instruments for Earth system monitoring and assessment; early warning systems; catalysts of public-policy agendas; features of international legal institutions; sources of invention and commercial enterprise; continuity across generations; and global tool of diplomacy. The overall objective of the course was to consider the contributions of science diplomacy for building common interests among nations so that we can balance economic prosperity, environmental protection, and societal well-being – in view of today’s urgencies and the needs of future generations – across our world.

The students taking the class produced annual Mock Arctic Council Ministerial Declarations, featured in the August 2020 edition of Science Diplomacy Action. Those interested in science diplomacy can access the Science Diplomacy Dialogue Series, conducted by Professor Berkman in Fall 2018, and books published by Professors Berkman and Vylegzhanin.