Science Diplomacy Policy in Colombia, New Horizons for a New Country?

Abstract

As Colombia moves towards a new phase of development, due to social, economic and political improvements, and the prospect of successful peace talks, the country has the opportunity to use science as an engine of development, and as a tool to gain a new place in the international arena through the implementation of a science diplomacy policy. The purpose of this thesis is to understand whether Colombia is prepared to develop a foreign policy that incorporates a science diplomacy dimension, as the country faces a post-conflict scenario of development that will greatly benefit from international scientific cooperation. The analysis was done through a qualitative exploration of Colombia’s science diplomacy from a foreign relations perspective, interviews with members of the Foreign Service and scientific communities, and an analysis of Colombia’s science and technology system. A comparison with the United States was used to illustrate where Colombia stands in terms of science diplomacy policy development. The results suggests that the development of a science diplomacy policy in Colombia faces serious challenges, including the government’s disregard for science, foreign policies dedicated to bilateral relations and presidential political agendas, lack of public and private funding for science, and a lack of connection between actors. Such scenario leaves the work of international scientific cooperation in the hands of scientists themselves, a few universities’ international relations departments, and the exceptional individual actions of foreign officers with a personal interest in supporting science. A set of recommendations is given for policy development.