Scientific Diplomacy: An Opportunity for Security and National Defense in Colombia

Abstract

The present paper introduces the concept of Science Diplomacy for Security and Defense in Colombia as a means to pursue Soft Power activities that can contribute to both the perception of security by the community, and the development of Defense strategies for the country. For this purpose, the document begins by making a review of the definition of Scientific Diplomacy for Security and National the Defense and continues into highlighting emblematic cases from Colombia, as the central argument into recognizing the great potential this area has for Security and National Defense in the domains of land, sea, air and cyberspace. The scope of the research is descriptive, as its intention is to be a starting point for further analysis on the subject. The problem identified is the lack of recognition of the potential that science diplomacy represents both in terms of competitive advantage for geopolitics and as a contribution to the image of the military forces as an organization whose functions go beyond purely war activities to include important scientific developments. The paper concludes by issuing general recommendations to achieve such recognition.