Finding the Right Formula for International Relations

When I first entered this class I didn't know what to expect. I had no idea how physics and politics related to each other. Science to me is just a bunch of numbers and formulas, but after the first few readings and classes I have realized that physics plays a huge role in my everyday life. My everyday actions are affected one way or another by science and I hope that by taking this class I will gain a better understanding of the physical world around me. I am very interested in politics, so it will be interesting to see how science can also be political, and how people in history have used science to advance themselves in the international realm.

I never realized the international role that science played during World War I, and the importance of the role it currently plays in our world. In order for science to be successful and benefit everyone there needs to be a free market of ideas in order to create new products that will advance society. Therefore, in order for a country to prosper and make a difference for its society, it has to have good international relations so that the country's scientists are able to collaborate with others. Unfortunately, during times of war it is often hard for countries to be civil with one another, and different political ideologies make it harder to find a common solution. Countries are often unable to put their differences aside and work for a common purpose, which arises in more problems. The articles that we read depict the specific problems that arise in the science field and in politics when there is dissidence among nations.

It was interesting to learn how two scientists took different approaches to science and life during World War I and after it. I never knew that Albert Einstein was a pacifist and a Zionist. I admire Einstein because even though his views drastically differed from the rest of society's, he still fought for what he believed was rthe right solution for the country during wartime. Even though he was hated by most during war, centuries later he is revered by almost everyone. In a time when most Germans would be afraid to speak against the government, Einstein's passion for peace did not deter him from speaking his mind. When the Germans were solely interested in making things for their export and dominating the world, Einstein was trying to make sense of the physical world, and show the Germans a different approach to the war.

Similar to Einstein, Hale was also trying to unite scientists across the world in order to improve the war effort. He knew the importance of international science, and did not want the Germans to influence the science realm anymore then they were. He felt that they were already too powerful. He did anything in his power to keep the Germans out of the international scientist organizations. With every country trying to make new innovation and advance their science and military, he believed that there needed to be agency of war that could surpass the Germans.Hale ran into a lot of trouble while he was trying to win support from the neutrals, but with his relentless effort he never gave up. Both Hale and Einstein were persistent in trying to get their ideas accepted by others. They were both passionate about advancing science and did anything in their power to successfully attain their goals. These scientists can be seen as role models by many, as they never gave up, and have greatly contributed to the science world.

I have never thought of science as a status of power, but rather that power lies within the country's government. Germany had a very powerful government that was driven by scientific and military advancements. Unfortunately for them, their power ostracized them from the rest of the world. Is there a way for a country to have the best of both worlds; scientific and world power without being shunned by the rest of the world? Science contributes to a country's power and throughout the years, we have seen how science has hindered and helped international relations. Hopefully, we can learn from our past mistakes and continue this notion of scientific internationalism.