Sanctions against russian science: Pros and cons
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DOIhttps://doi.org/10.21511/gg.05(1).2024.01
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Article InfoVolume 5 2023-2024, Issue #1, pp. 1-18
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This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of imposing sanctions on russian science, along with the measures enacted to penalize or restrict it. Proponents of sanctions argue that accountability is essential, and a tangible cost must be imposed for russia’s actions. Sanctions can serve as a signal to end war and aggression, weaken russia’s economic foundation, and exacerbate brain drain, potentially hindering the development of military technologies and reducing russia’s capacity to sustain its aggression. Furthermore, some russian academics openly support the war and should be held accountable for their stance. However, significant opposition to sanctions exists. A prevailing argument, often mirrored in fields like sports and culture, is that science should remain apolitical. Critics contend that sanctions disrupt the free exchange of ideas, penalize innocent individuals, and may harm global scientific progress and human development, given russia’s integral role in international research. Additionally, sanctions are often criticized as costly and inefficient. Despite these debates, a variety of restrictive measures targeting russian science have been implemented. These include funding cuts, suspension of collaborations, termination of joint projects, and exclusion of academics linked to the russian regime. Other measures involve companies closing R&D facilities in russia, restrictions on scientific equipment and reagents, boycotts of russian-organized conferences, and the suspension of international research partnerships. This study synthesizes the arguments for and against sanctions on russian science and provides an analytical discussion to shape a nuanced perspective on this complex issue.
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JEL Classification (Paper profile tab)F51, H56, P16
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References89
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Tables5
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Figures4
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- Figure 1. Publication activity on sanctions against russia in 1985–2024, papers
- Figure 2. Keyword bibliometric map on publications in sanctions against russia in 1985–2024 (co-occurrences mode)
- Figure 3. Keyword bibliometric map on publications in sanctions against russia in 1985–2024 (chronology mode)
- Figure 4. Science|Business online survey results on the European researcher support of the sanctions against russia
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- Table A2. Sanctions against russian science within international research projects
- Table A3. Closure of R&D centers in russia (selected cases)
- Table B1. Potential and actual consequences of sanctions to russian science
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