Aim
This is an initiation project whose aim is to explore key areas, questions and approaches for building knowledge about the interlinkages of foreign policy to the capacity of states to protect and promote life and health of their citizens.
About the research initiative
We are researchers from institutions in Norway, Indonesia, South Africa and Brazil, in addition to Harvard University, who share a background in social sciences with focus on international relations in addition to an interest in the politics of global health challenges. The initiation phase of the research initiative runs from March to December 2011 and is funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as a follow-up to their engagement with the seven country partnership known as The Oslo Ministerial Group.
How we work
The research group seeks to utilize its diverse geographical perspectives in addition to experiences from other sectors of interntional affairs.
The research initiative meets twice in 2011, and are preparing four reports. These reports seek to map and review existing knowledge on the interlinkages of health and foreign policy, as well as synthesizing key lessons from other areas of international affairs on cross-sectoral approaches and on measurements of implementation, effects and impact of international policies on in-country conditions. The initiation phase will culminate in a proposal for a longer term research agenda.
The project was developed with support and seed funding from the interfaculty research area Livelihoods in developing countries.
Milestones
December 2011
Research group members to present findings at a joint conference of the British International Studies Association (BISA) and the International Politics section of the German Political Science Association (DVPW) at St. Andrew’s University, Scotland.
November/December 2011
The research group will submit four reports to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
October 2011
Second meeting of the research group in Rio de Janeiro, in conjunction with the World Conference on Social Determinants of Health.
June 2011
Research group members present work in progress at the Global Health Diplomacy Network conference at Chatham House, London.
March 2011
First meeting of the research group in Geneva, including consultations with diplomats of the Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative.
December 2010
Research initiative announced, Norway.org, December 21, 2010)