A Critical Study on the Role of Science Diplomacy in Promoting Public Health and the Environment: London 2012 Olympics, a Case Study
Authors:   , Bensalah Fatima Zahra 
Published: September 2024

This research study examines the role of science diplomacy in shaping the global paradigm of sustainable development. It proposes a conceptual understanding of science diplomacy, departing from the idealistic association with the concept of soft power. By elucidating the often- overlooked interplay between international science and diplomacy, this study seeks to illuminate the importance of science diplomacy as an analytically robust tool for fostering scientific collaboration and cooperation within international relations. Therefore, this thesis aims to expand on the understanding of Science Diplomacy by examining its developments that can help in transforming it from a primarily positivistic concept into an analytically robust tool. This tool can then provide critical insights and uncover new perspectives into “geodiplomatics”. Employing an innovative conceptual framework, this research critically examines the frequently overlooked viewpoint of the role of diplomacy in science, by applying it to the emerging global paradigm of sustainable development. The study illustrates key developments in the advancement and evolution of the environmental and sustainable development paradigm from its initial introduction in 1987 in the Brundtland Report entitled ‘Our Common Future’ into the adoption of the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action. The thesis proceeds to introduce a case study of the London 2012 Olympic Games associated with East London regeneration and enshrined by the GCU motto of the Common Good, which critically applies the concept of science diplomacy to the issue of urban brownfield regeneration in relation to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The case study pursues a critical understanding of the narratives and discourse surrounding the ‘legacy’ that accompanied the Olympic Mega event in relation to producing a critical understanding of the long-term impact and implications associated with urban regeneration, on public health and the environment. This research seeks to engage and analyse an issue that can contribute positively to society and the global commons. The aim of this study is to make an impactful and timely contribution to better understanding the effects and implications of environmental actions that influence the state of public health. The study also examines the critical and complex process and tactics used in winning the Olympic bid. It contributes original and deep qualitative insight into the complex issues which underscored the Olympic bid and the subsequent development of East London Olympic host boroughs. It assesses the amalgamation of competing narratives (legacy, profitability, public health, environmental protection, gentrification) which were advanced by a collection of complex actors and stakeholders including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the United Kingdom and the City of London, and a host of private stakeholders as well as the perceptions and perspectives of the local communities in East London. In order to achieve this, a qualitative research approach is adopted vis-à-vis 25 semi-structured interviews method, using thematic data analysis by Nvivo software, to unravel the subjective beliefs of relevant diplomats, politicians, government officials, residents and the local communities in East London. The respective discourses and competing narratives are then juxtaposed with the global paradigm of sustainable development to provide a nuanced and original analytical understanding of the extensive complexities that have contributed to shaping the geopolitical history of science diplomacy. The research findings demonstrate that science diplomacy has become a crucial instrument in the pursuit of sustainability, connecting the realm of scientific discovery and international affairs, hence impacting foreign affairs and diplomatic practice. Furthermore, the nuanced perspectives provided by the study's participants emphasise the potential of science diplomacy to contribute to global problem-solving, even as they caution against oversimplifying its role and impact. The research emphasises the importance of collaborative solutions that leverage the combined knowledge, goodwill, and innovative spirit of the global community in order to further the discussion of and progress in these relationships. However, the research found that science diplomacy should not be viewed solely as a mechanism for accomplishing diplomatic goals, but rather as a way to establish connections between the scientific community and policymakers. The research also finds that the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games in East London serves as a valuable case study, offering lessons in the complexities of balancing progress with preservation and inclusion. The study found that alongside the positive transformations, the Olympics also raises concerns about social displacement and gentrification, which worsen existing inequalities within the local communities. It suggests that policymakers should take a comprehensive approach that balances economic growth with social equity, ensuring that the benefits of urban regeneration are shared by all residents, regardless of their socio-economic background. The transfer of knowledge gathered through research into the human and environmental impacts on the global environment carries with it the potential to contribute to better informing public policy and policy makers in sustainability in the fields of public health and environmental protection.