Making sense of uncertainty: Science, politics and conspiracies

Making sense of uncertainty: Science, politics and conspiracies

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, a variety of conspiracy theories have proliferated regarding everything from the virus’ supposed ‘real’ origins, to the ‘real’ numbers of infections and deaths, to the ‘real’ intentions of national governments and international organizations attempting to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. Many of these theories have attempted to make sense of an entirely novel global crisis by recycling old tropes and old enemies – from the corporate power of ‘Big Pharma’, to sinister networks of global elites, to racialized stereotypes of dangerous ‘viral’ others (first China and, later, migrants)

Politics and Science – Two Sides of the Same Coin

Politics and Science – Two Sides of the Same Coin

May I, provocatively, reverse the relationship put in the title? Why? Political leadership shows a new face. In fact, the multiple-system crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic made ‘whole-of-government’ approaches indispensable. In response, there are however new players to address, such as digital ultra-capitalism and techno-clusters (Roger de Weck), a reverse trend of de-globalisation (Mark Leonard), changing geopolitics (David Criekemanns), and an enhanced upstream of resilience thinking.

Science and Politics: Like a Boat in the Stormy Sea

Science and Politics: Like a Boat in the Stormy Sea

The role of scientists in a political environment has been dealt with in the literature time and again. This essay takes up some of these thoughts and puts them in a current context. These thoughts shed light on certain constraints that science has to cope with. They portray a rather dark picture about the role of science. It is not to condemn science, but rather to raise awareness for the difficulties of scientists, without painting a rosy picture.

The Importance of Creating a Network of Independent Thinkers for Implementing Academic Diplomacy

The Importance of Creating a Network of Independent Thinkers for Implementing Academic Diplomacy

For this reason, well developed nation states increase the involvement of research institutions and think tanks into their official policies or provide them an opportunity to actively implement Academic Diplomacy. Innovations in the field of foreign policy are as important as in science. Only accurate research regarding specific countries, regions and organizations can improve the relations on bilateral and multilateral levels. Without understanding the main internal and external problems of country X, country’s Y decision makers cannot come to right decisions. This puts great responsibility on scholars, who conduct research in the field of International Relations.

Individual’s confidence and optimism: Essential for politics but questioned by science

Individual’s confidence and optimism: Essential for politics but questioned by science

Decision-making is part of politics, and indeed of every individual’s life. While science is not meant to provide ready-made solutions for politicians, it can reveal how processes and policies can be improved by looking at their underlying foundations. In the same way science can look at decision-making itself, how individuals arrive at certain conclusions, why they hold particular beliefs, and to what extent those are products of rational thinking or biases.

SCIENCE AND POLITICS - A EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE

SCIENCE AND POLITICS - A EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE

Science and politics cannot have an easy relationship. Too different are their approaches. Nevertheless, their relationship could be much more fruitful if both would recognize each other’s demands and necessities. Science and scientists would have to realize that politics and politicians have a very complex environment to take into account, before they could come to political decisions. Different groups of their domestic audience but also of foreign actors try to influence or even manipulate their decisions or non-decisions. Politicians, on the other hand, must not expect that science will present them readymade concepts and measures which guarantee success. Science can and must deliver alternative strategies and at the end it is up to politicians to choose and decide. But of course politicians must deliver clever questions if they want to have useful answers.

Getting too close? The contradictory relationship between political science and politics

Getting too close? The contradictory relationship between political science and politics

At first glance, the scientific community and the community of political decision-makers seem to be in general agreement: good scientific advice makes better policy (improves the quality of political decisions). At any rate, both communities talk to each other, interact with one another in numerous settings and liaise more than at any other point in history. In the scientific world, think tanks and policy research institutes are mushrooming, researchers actively market the results of their research to the general public and decision-makers, and scientific organizations, like the German Research Foundation, demand that research projects demonstrate their relevance for politics and the general public. The Leibniz Association and its 96 research institutes come together under the motto Theoria cum Praxi to signify the importance of making basic research relevant for society. The political world, too, is characterized by an ever-growing willingness to institutionalize scientific advice.