The Effectiveness of Science Diplomacy between Adversarial States: Insights from US–Cuban and US–Iranian Science Collaborations

Summary The American Association for the Advancement of Science and British Royal Society’s science diplomacy taxonomy has received much criticism. Some argue that there is a lack empirical evidence to underpin taxonomy’s three dimensions. This particularly applies third dimension, diplomacy, its effectiveness. Others criticise painting picture compliant scientists who would discard their academic ideals support foreign policy objectives. Against backdrop these two points criticism, this study investigates if are willing political objectives through collaborations. It also examines under which conditions effective. Using epistemic community approach, expert interviews case study, argues effective it promoted by close-knit shows oppose instrumentalisation scientific collaboration purposes.