Towards a knowledge diplomacy framework

Subtitle:an analysis of the role of international higher education, research and innovation in international relations

The purpose of this interdisciplinary study is to explore how the concept of knowledge diplomacy can help illuminate the contribution that international higher education, research and innovation (IHERI) makes to international relations (IR). An exploratory and interpretative approach is used to examine how scholars and experts from the fields of diplomacy and international higher education (IHE) understand, conceptualize and label the role of IHERI in IR. The findings indicate that there are multiple concepts and terms including cultural diplomacy, science diplomacy, education diplomacy, public diplomacy and soft power. All are used to describe the phenomenon resulting in much confusion, misunderstanding and terminology travel across the two fields of study. Through the use of conceptual analysis and tools, the study proposes, defines and develops a conceptual framework for knowledge diplomacy to help structure the debate and clarify the conceptual interrelations among the different terms. The carefully articulated conceptual framework identifies and illustrates the intentions, key actors, main principles/values, primary modes, and diverse activities of knowledge diplomacy. Given the frequent references by both IR and IHE scholars to soft power the differences between the role of IHERI in a knowledge diplomacy approach versus a soft power approach are examined by comparing and contrasting their respective conceptual frameworks. While actors and activities may be similar to both approaches the primary differences relate to intentions, values and modes. Key values attributed to knowledge diplomacy include mutual benefits, reciprocity, and exchange using modes such as negotiation, mediation and cooperation. This differs from the role of IHERI in a soft power relationship which rests on values of dominance and self interests first and the use of persuasion, attraction, cooption and compliance to achieve national objectives. Three contemporary IHERI initiatives from different regions of the world are analyzed to illustrate how the major elements and key concepts of the knowledge diplomacy framework can be operationalized. Lastly, issues related to knowledge diplomacy which merit further research are discussed and future challenges identified. Overall, the dissertation attempts to bring together the research and discourse on the role of IHERI in IR from the fields of diplomacy and international higher education under one conceptual umbrella thereby laying the groundwork for further research and dialogue between the two fields of study.

Publication year:2021

Keywords:Doctoral thesis

Accessibility:Open