A UK backchannel? A science diplomacy history of the British Council in the 20th Century and beyond

Scholars and practitioners interested in 20th century science and technology have introduced the term "science diplomacy" to emphasise connections between S&T actors, interests, activities and international relations. Yet the organization that has forged UK science diplomacy (and cultural and public diplomacy more generally) for more than a century, the British Council, has yet to be systematically examined. This project aims to provide the first comprehensive account of its science and technology initiatives over the last century, drawing on largely untapped archives. The student will transform our understanding of the British Council as an organization by exploring its science activities, while shedding new light on the nature, implications and historical significance of science diplomacy within the realm of UK international relations. The student will also probe the possible significance of science diplomacy as a "backchannel" device for international relations.

Research Questions
-What were the British Council's science and technology activities in Russia, India and Egypt from 1935 to today. Did they change over time? How did they fit within the broader strategy of the organisation?
-In what ways did these initiatives align resonate with, anticipate or influence British foreign policy ambitions?
-To what extent did science diplomacy play a part in shaping British foreign affairs by offering a parallel channel for the dialogue with other countries? If so, how did this dialogue inform formal state-to-state diplomacy activities?