The Elephant and the Dragon in Contemporary Life Sciences: A Call for Decolonising Global Governance

This book provides a powerful diagnosis of why the global governance of science struggles in the face of emerging powers, highlighting epistemic injustice and pointing to a decolonial imperative for science governance to be responsive and effective in a cosmopolitan world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by global science governance in the context of emerging powers. By examining critical events in China and India over the past two decades, it sheds light on the "subversiveness" assumed by these countries in the life sciences, highlighting the regulatory challenges that are prevalent on a global scale. It emphasizes the need for science governance to be responsive and effective in a cosmopolitan world, advocating for a decolonial approach that addresses epistemic injustice within contemporary science. Through this lens, the book expands upon existing theories of decolonization, offering a fresh perspective on the ongoing struggle for scientific autonomy and equity.

Introduction:
The global governance of science has faced numerous challenges in recent years, particularly in the face of emerging powers such as China and India. These countries have made significant strides in the life sciences, investing heavily in research and development and achieving remarkable scientific advancements. However, their rise has also brought about concerns about regulatory challenges, intellectual property rights, and the ethical implications of scientific research.

The Subversiveness Assumed in China and India:
This book delves into the "subversiveness" assumed by China and India in the life sciences. It demonstrates that the rise of these countries in the life sciences reflects many of the regulatory challenges that are shared worldwide. The authors argue that the subversiveness in the life sciences in China and India is not limited to a specific sector or discipline but rather encompasses a broader range of issues.

One of the key challenges highlighted in the book is the lack of transparency and accountability in scientific research. In China and India, there have been reports of government interference in scientific research, including the suppression of dissenting voices and the manipulation of data. This lack of transparency and accountability undermines the credibility of scientific research and makes it difficult for the public to trust scientific findings.

Another challenge is the issue of intellectual property rights. In the life sciences, innovations and discoveries can have significant economic implications, and there is a growing tension between the need for open access to scientific knowledge and the protection of intellectual property rights. The book argues that the current intellectual property regime in the life sciences is not conducive to scientific progress and that there is a need for a more equitable distribution of intellectual property rights.

The ethical implications of scientific research are also a significant concern. In China and India, there have been reports of human rights violations and unethical practices in scientific research, such as the use of human subjects without their consent or the exploitation of vulnerable communities. This raises questions about the responsibility of scientists and the institutions that fund scientific research to ensure that ethical standards are upheld.

A Decolonial Imperative for Science Governance:
In response to these challenges, the book advocates for a decolonial imperative for science governance. It argues that science governance should be responsive and effective in a cosmopolitan world, and that it should prioritize the needs and interests of marginalized communities and developing countries. The authors suggest that science governance should be based on principles of equity, transparency, and accountability, and that it should involve a diverse range of stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, and civil society.

To achieve this decolonial imperative, the book proposes several recommendations. One of the key recommendations is the need for a more robust regulatory framework for scientific research. The authors argue that a more robust regulatory framework can help to ensure that scientific research is conducted ethically and transparently, and that it can protect the intellectual property rights of researchers while also promoting open access to scientific knowledge.

Another recommendation is the need for greater investment in scientific research and development in developing countries. The authors argue that developing countries have the potential to contribute significantly to scientific progress, but that they often lack the resources and infrastructure to do so. By investing in scientific research and development in developing countries, we can help to promote scientific autonomy and equity on a global scale.

Finally, the book emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and diverse scientific community. The authors argue that a more inclusive and diverse scientific community can help to promote scientific progress and innovation, and that it can also help to address the ethical implications of scientific research. By promoting diversity and inclusion in the scientific community, we can help to ensure that scientific findings are based on a broader range of perspectives and that they are more representative of the needs and interests of marginalized communities.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a powerful diagnosis of why the global governance of science struggles in the face of emerging powers. By examining critical events in China and India over the past two decades, it demonstrates that the "subversiveness" assumed in the two countries rise in the life sciences reflects many of the regulatory challenges that are shared worldwide. It emphasizes the need for science governance to be responsive and effective in a cosmopolitan world, advocating for a decolonial approach that addresses epistemic injustice within contemporary science. Through this lens, the book expands upon existing theories of decolonization, offering a fresh perspective on the ongoing struggle for scientific autonomy and equity.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526159526