I. N. Vasilieva, R. S. Bogatova, T. P. Rebrova. Development of Science Diplomacy in the MENA Region: Priorities and Prospects for Cooperation with Russia on the Example of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates

oi: 10.15507/2413-1407.128.032.202403.402-425

UDК 327.8(470+571)(5-15)

Abstract

Introduction. The development of science diplomacy is aimed at promotion of a state’s interests in the international arena. Russia is striving to strengthen cooperation in the field of scientific and technological development, humanitarian exchange with such MENA countries as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. These countries are of significant interest to Russia due to the long-standing forms of cooperation with them. The main purpose of this study is to identify science diplomacy actors, visually present them taking into consideration the process of science development in these countries and determine prospects of cooperation with Russia.

Materials and Methods. In their study, the authors used data from open sources, Russian Federal State Statistics Service reports, UNESCO Science reports, World Bank database. The analysis of development of international science and technology cooperation in the three MENA countries was carried out. The authors used the descriptive method to present the main actors of science diplomacy and visually provide the science diplomacy systems. The developed models of science diplomacy of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates enable Russia to identify the priorities in the field of science diplomacy in the context of geopolitical challenges.

Results. The study identified the potential partners of Russia in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt to strengthen international science and technology cooperation. The prospects for cooperation with these countries are fixed in the mutual agreements with Russia. The authors studied the policy of these countries in the field of international scientific and technical cooperation, considered strategic directions for the development of science diplomacy. The created models of science diplomacy reflect the main actors of science diplomacy, as well as the current interrelationship between the three MENA countries and Russia in the field of science and technology. The value of this research lies in the preparation of an extensive analytical base that helps to identify potential partners for Russia among the MENA countries, as well as identify key strategies and directions to stimulate the growth of cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Discussion and Conclusion. The research has shown that in the studied Arab countries, there is an active development of scientific diplomacy. The governments of these countries are increasingly turning to science to solve political problems. The MENA region has extensive resources and scientific potential, which makes it attractive for scientific cooperation. The analysis of cooperation with these countries made it possible to identify key strategies and priorities to stimulate the growth of cooperation and knowledge exchange between the MENA countries and Russia.

Keywords: science diplomacy model, international science and technology cooperation, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, scientific project, scientific organizations

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

For citation: Vasilieva I.N., Bogatova R.S., Rebrova T.P. Development of Science Diplomacy in the MENA Region: Priorities and Prospects for Cooperation with Russia on the Example of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Russian Journal of Regional Studies. 2024;32(3):402–425. https://doi.org/10.15507/2413-1407.128.032.202403.402-425

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About the authors:

Irina N. Vasilieva, Cand.Sci. (Econ.), Associate Professor, Head of the Centre for International Scientific and Technological Cooperation, Russian Research Institute of Economics, Politics and Law in Science and Technology (20А Dobrolyubova St., Moscow 127254, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5602-5237, Researcher ID: AAG-3774-2021, i.vasilyeva@riep.ru

Raisa S. Bogatova, Analyst at the Center for International Scientific and Technological Cooperation, Russian Research Institute of Economics, Politics and Law in Science and Technology
(20А Dobrolyubova St., Moscow 127254, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2937-1759, Researcher ID: JXM-3551-2024, graisa@mail.ru

Tatyana P. Rebrova, Cand.Sci. (Hist.), Associate Professor, Head of the Scientific Diplomacy Development Sector of the Center for International Science and Technology Cooperation, Russian Research Institute of Economics, Politics and Law in Science and Technology (20А Dobrolyubova St., Moscow 127254, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3455-9326, t.rebrova@riep.ru

Contribution of the authors:

I. N. Vasilieva – general guidance; concept of the study; development of the structure of the article; formulation of conclusions and research results; critical analysis.

R. S. Bogatova – preparation of the text initial version; development of models of science diplomacy; collection of data and evidence, visualization/presentation of data in the text; analysis and revision of the article.

T. P. Rebrova – project administrator; development of models; methodology development; formalized data analysis; critical analysis and revision of the article.

Availability of data and materials. The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the authors on reasonable request.

The authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 12.03.2024; revised 07.06.2024; accepted 18.06.2024.