The Power of Knowledge Diplomacy

In today’s world, where traditional diplomacy often struggles under the weight of geopolitical tensions and rising nationalism, universities have quietly stepped in as powerful bridges—fostering connection, understanding and cooperation across borders.

Higher education institutions, through academic exchanges, research partnerships and transnational campuses, are becoming central to how countries project soft power and shape global narratives. From Germany’s structured science diplomacy to the Arab countries’ global engagement, and Australia’s regional integration through the Colombo Plan, higher education is no longer just a public good — it is also a strategic asset.

Soft Power: An Evolving Concept

The term “soft power” refers to a country’s ability to influence others through attraction rather than coercion. In higher education, soft power finds expression through international student mobility, collaborative research, and academic outreach. Yet, as Dr David Roberts, Reader in International Security and Middle East Studies at King’s College London, cautions, the concept is often “under-theorised” and loosely applied. “All states want to be better understood, and having people live in a country for a period is one way to potentially foster that understanding,” he says.

But beyond cultural immersion lies a deeper strategy. According to Jane Knight, Professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in Canada, what is often branded as soft power may, in fact, be more accurately described as “knowledge diplomacy”. This term includes international higher education, research and innovation initiatives aimed at mutual benefit and collaboration rather than unilateral influence. Knight’s distinction is critical: while soft power suggests influence and attraction, knowledge diplomacy emphasises reciprocity and shared progress. Knowledge diplomacy is being used interchangeably and confused with terms such as soft power and cultural and science diplomacy.

“While cultural diplomacy can include a wide range of people-to-people education and cultural exchanges, it is not broad enough to include the central elements of higher education, such as research and innovation. Rather, the emphasis is on people mobility. The more recent trend of higher education providers moving across borders to offer foreign programmes in the students’ home country is not accommodated in the notion of cultural diplomacy,” says Knight in her research study titled ‘Knowledge Diplomacy in Action’ for the British Council.

Knight cites the African Union’s creation of five regional research institutes across the continent—each focused on specific disciplines—in partnership with African and international organisations, as an example of knowledge diplomacy.

Another example is RENKEI, which means collaboration in Japanese, a university research network and knowledge diplomacy initiative between Japanese and UK universities.

Germany and the Role of Science Diplomacy

Germany, too, has recognised the power of higher education in global diplomacy. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides a good example of science diplomacy in action. The DAAD works to foster global knowledge networks and academic partnerships.

“From the perspective of the DAAD, international higher education and academic exchange play a central role in Germany’s soft power toolkit, better known as science diplomacy. While we cannot speak for Germany or the EU, the DAAD sees academic cooperation as an effective tool for scientific progress, international understanding, confidence-building and long-term diplomacy,” a DAAD spokesperson tells QS Insights Magazine.

DAAD initiatives range from scholarships and institutional partnerships to the establishment of Centres of Excellence abroad. “Our programmes are not designed to exert influence in a political sense,” says the DAAD spokesperson, “but to promote academic advancement, intercultural dialogue and long-term cooperation.”

The impact is multifaceted. DAAD alumni often rise to leadership roles in academia, government and industry, thereby enhancing Germany’s global reputation. “International students are also an important part of solving the shortage of skilled workers in Germany,” the spokesperson adds.

This practical advantage goes hand-in-hand with broader benefits like building goodwill and fostering international understanding.

Read the full story on QS Insights Magazine.