I disagree --- I think this perspective is an oversimplification of the mentioned article. Kaltofen and Acuto talk about "the encounter of world politics and the world of science" and mention actors from "different social worlds" but this does't necessarily means a confrontation between diplomats and scientists. Actually, is an encounter between different ways of thinking. The political perspective uses to think in terms of intersubjective constructions tha can be shaped according to particular interests. The scientific perspective think in terms of objective facts (as objective as is possible in the uncertain world of science) that cannnot be shaped without distorting science. Actor involved in these confrontation can be only diplomats that work with different crteria. Take world drug problem, for example. Some countries stablish their position based on "security concerns" and security is a social construction. Other countries stablish their position based on scientifi evidence that can go against traditional positions. Diplomats defending first position belong to the political world. Diplomats defending second positions belong to the science world and can be considered scientific diplomats.

Source author: Carlos Arturo Garcia Bonilla carlos.garcia@cancilleria.gov.co