In a commentary published by Süddeutsche Zeitung (South German Newspaper), columnist Heribert Prantl reflects on the renewed importance of science diplomacy amid growing geopolitical tensions, highlighting IIASA as a notable exception to the current global trend of disengagement.
Founded in 1972, at the height of the Cold War, the Institute was created with the explicit aim that scientific cooperation should build bridges across the divide of the Cold War – a mission the article suggests has regained urgency today.
Schellnhuber is quoted as saying that the world is currently facing “the most dangerous political situation since the Cuban Missile Crisis,” and argues that IIASA should place renewed emphasis on its founding mission of science diplomacy – providing a protected space for international scientific cooperation even under conditions of deep political confrontation.
Read the full article (in German).
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