Science: A Pursuit of Democracy, Not Domination

Swift Summary

• Teh Trump governance’s Project 2025 calls for “science dominance,” aiming to align U.S. scientific policy with conservative values, including favoring fossil fuels and defunding diversity-focused projects.
• Changes include restricting funding for federal scientific research and university grants, deporting immigrant scientists, and revisiting debunked theories like vaccines’ links to autism.
• Critics argue these policies create isolation, hinder international collaboration in science, and could harm democracy by rejecting evidence-based policymaking.
• Past U.S. investment in science has enabled advancements in health, technology, and democracy while fostering global cooperation.
• Examples of impacted areas include climate change agreements like the Paris Accord, opportunities for multinational projects like CERN research facilities, and public health initiatives.

Read more: Scientific American article

Indian Opinion Analysis

The shift in the U.S. government’s approach towards “science dominance” under Project 2025 has global implications that India should watch closely. India’s scientific community thrives on international collaboration-whether through shared research programs or migration of talent-and could be affected by restricted access to partnerships with American institutions if the flow of ideas is curtailed.

Historically committed to evidence-based policymaking through its space programs (ISRO) or advancements in medicine (e.g., vaccine production), India must consider how this ideological pivot might influence collaborative dynamics on pressing issues such as climate change or pandemic preparedness. Given China’s rising academic influence globally-as noted by its growing presence in premier journals-the ongoing changes may shift international alliances within science further toward Asia.

For India’s policymakers and scientific leadership teams seeking partnerships abroad while maintaining autonomy over decision-making frameworks domestically matters .