At a time when democracy is increasingly being called into question, foreign policy challenges represent one facet of the contestation of the liberal script. Close knowledge exchange between political practitioners and researchers is therefore essential to ensure that political logics are taken into account when studying the challenges to the liberal script. Since 20XX, there has been an ongoing exchange between the Federal Foreign Office (AA) and SCRIPTS.

The research project “Impact Hub: Integrated Effectiveness of Integrated Peace Engagement”, launched in 2024, embodies a concrete example of how SCRIPTS seeks to stimulate exchange between research and practice.

The central question of the Impact Hub is how German foreign policy can contribute more effectively to peace processes. The SCRIPTS experts focus on promoting democracy and resilience in conflict-affected contexts such as the Middle East, Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and West Africa.

More information about the Impact Hub can be found on the project website. 

 

Foundational Ideas for the Cooperation between the Federal Foreign Office and SCRIPTS

Foreign policy decision-makers must continually deal with a range of political and contextual challenges that the liberal script faces today. Yet researchers are not always aware of the underlying logic and dynamics of foreign policy action. A close and regular exchange between SCRIPTS as an academic research network and the Federal Foreign Office as a political institution is therefore both useful and valuable—for both sides.

 

Benefits of the Collaboration

Just as foreign policy decision-makers can draw on the analyses and scientific findings of SCRIPTS, researchers gain a deeper insight into the “black box” of foreign policy. In this way, mutual synergies and insights are created that benefit both policy and academia.

 

Forms of Collaboration

By being involved in the day-to-day work of the Federal Foreign Office, researchers can identify areas where the interests of foreign policy practice and academic research intersect. Regular discussion forums and other targeted exchange formats also serve as spaces for dialogue, bringing together SCRIPTS experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders.