science and politics ... --- That's a great question, Kiconco. It goes to the heart of the debate around science diplomacy. The authors take the view that science itself is neutral and should remain outside of politics. Other perspective would really question this: First, they would say that science itself is not neutral. One simple example is that not everything worth studying gets studied. Sometimes there are social, political, and funding barriers. In that sense science is not outside of society. Second, Lord and Turekian highlight how scientists can be put in the service of US diplomacy. They talk about soft power and creating understanding and better relations. But other would say that this idea of putting scientists in the service of diplomatic goals might also have us question the neutrality of the idea of science diplomacy.

Source author: Katharina Höne KatharinaH@diplomacy.edu