This Master's thesis explores the extent and conditions under which science diplomacy functions as an autonomous form of diplomacy in international relations rather than merely as a foreign policy tool. A theoretical-analytical framework is first established, seeking to understand science diplomacy as a complex and multidimensional form of diplomacy. This analytical framework, based on the tripartite division of science diplomacy (i.e. science in diplomacy, diplomacy for science and science for diplomacy), also allows for the distinction between practices of science diplomacy that serve as instruments of foreign policy and those that represent autonomous diplomatic practices with specific goals, actors and activities. The analytical framework is employed to conduct an empirical analysis of practical approaches to science diplomacy by selected countries and the European Union. This analysis reveals that states remain the central diplomatic actors, adapting to the changing international environment in which an increasing number of diverse actors are emerging. States seek to incorporate these actors into practices of science diplomacy, but they do so selectively in a limited manner and in line with traditional foreign policy interests. This indicates that the existing forms of science diplomacy more often serve as foreign policy tools rather than autonomous forms of diplomacy. The key finding of the Master's thesis is that science diplomacy never operates completely autonomously but rather on a continuum between independence and subordination to foreign policy interests, with its autonomy, or that of its practices, being contingent upon specific institutional, political and normative conditions.
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