History points out that science-based diplomacy can play a significant role in enhancing peace and understanding between Russia and the United States. The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) of 1975 highlights how science diplomacy can be effective in enhancing relationships between the two countries. Despite the frosty political and ideological relationships between the two, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the soviet academy of sciences successfully worked together in designing and developing ASTP (Krasnyak, 2018). Therefore, the Apollo-Soyuz space linkup underlines the role that science can play in fostering a positive relationship between the two countries. This paper analyzes the ASTP project and demonstrates the importance of science diplomacy in promoting international peace.
The art of science diplomacy
Historically, countries have used science as a tool for addressing their long-standing disputes. At some times, leaders used science as a critical component in building international bonds. For instance, the Byzantian Emperor established a special hydraulic system that elevated his authority to the ceiling of the Magnaura Palace, hence creating a long-lasting impression of the visiting people (Majumdar, 2018). Having a comprehensive understanding of science diplomacy is critical to underlining its significance in enhancing international relations in the modern world. “Science diplomacy is the use of scientific interactions among nations to address the common problems facing humanity and to build constructive, knowledge based international partnerships” (Majumdar, 2018, p. 2). Therefore, this definition implies that science diplomacy entails working together to find solutions to the problems affecting humanity, thus fostering good relations in the process.
Science diplomacy is a broadway of using scientific teamwork between countries to address human problems and boost international relationships. Countries have long-established relationships based on scientific partnerships. In the modern era, this approach emerged in the latter half of the 21st century, when the United States utilized scientific research as the platform to strengthen relationships with China and the Soviet Union (Murenzi, 2014). While science diplomacy takes many forms, it can be crucial to improving relationships between countries with divergent and contrasting ideologies. Through this approach, researchers can provide insights to support a new treaty on preserving oceans (Murenzi, 2014). Given the worrying trend in the degradation of the environment, science diplomacy can help countries to have a common approach towards sustainable practices. Therefore, emphasizing scientific diplomacy can be a critical foreign policy for many political powers in the world.