U.S. Faces Challenge in National Science Diplomacy Strategy

In a new editorial in the AAAS publication Science & Diplomacy, Kimberly Montgomery, Director of International Affairs and Science Diplomacy at AAAS, reflects on whether the United States should develop a national science diplomacy strategy amid significant change to U.S. federal policy. Montgomery believes that the Trump administration should develop such a strategy – to help define a vision and direction for the U.S. It should outline how related policies "can advance U.S. diplomatic objectives, including fostering economic growth," she writes. "And that strategy should detail how it will work with the private sector." But for this to happen effectively, says Montgomery, the U.S. needs a stable and flourishing scientific ecosystem. She highlights challenges – including budget cuts for domestic science research, the firing of thousands of U.S. federal scientists, and the steep reduction of foreign aid that supports collaborative science projects abroad. "I am an optimist," writes Montgomery, "but I am very concerned by the enactment of policies that harm the U.S. scientific ecosystem and damage our relationships with our allies." Montgomery concludes: "Without changing course, I fear the question I will start being asked is not whether I agree with the diplomatic objectives that the Trump administration is pursuing…but rather whether the United States can develop a strong national science diplomacy strategy at all."