Multidisciplinary Studies and the Relationship of Scientific Research to Public Policymaking

Abstract

Multidisciplinary approaches to peace research and national security may provide new guides for rational policies. The nature of the phenomenon studied, however, suggests that these approaches will not result in new, highly institutionalized disciplinary structures. Nor will research in how to influence government to act in accord with scientific findings have much positive impact. The assumption that research can provide a substitute for political action raises serious philosophic, historical, and practical questions. The decision-making process in the area of publicpolicy differs substantially from decision making within scientific circles. Moreover, as the historical record of British and American decision making in weapons and several other policy areas suggests, acceptance of scientific data will depend on the extent to which the scientists have access to key decision makers and the extent to which their findings fit their policy predispositions. If social scientists wish to influence public policy they must participate in the political process. The choice of a strategy will depend on the extent to which they have access to top decision makers and the extent to which their policy recommendations support or run contrary to prevailing policy choices.

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