Exploring Interconnections: Innovation, Education, and Sustainability in International Relations

The “Democratic Engagement in an International Context” course has provided valuable insights through its first three weeks of workshops, each focusing on distinct but interconnected themes. In Week 2, Dr. Kalpana Surendranath introduced the concept of CRISPR technology; in Week 3, Dr. Andy Pitchford examined the “McDonaldization” of education; and in Week 4, Dr. Pooja Basnett discussed sustainability within and beyond the university, including the Cavendish Living Lab project. At first glance, these topics may seem unrelated, but they are deeply linked to International Relations, highlighting significant issues within the field.

Dr. Surendranath’s workshop on CRISPR Technology (short for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) highlighted its role in gene editing—a scientific innovation with potential applications for disease treatment and agriculture (Surendranath, 2024). CRISPR’s relevance to International Relations lies not only in its scientific potential but also in its economic and trade implications. If all countries gain access to CRISPR, it could lead to the development of genetically modified crops resilient to diseases or climate change, potentially allowing one nation to dominate the agricultural market. This could create a monopoly that influences global food supply chains and economic relations, underscoring the importance of international regulatory frameworks and ethical standards in IR.

Dr. Pitchford’s session on the McDonaldization of Education examined how the principles of standardization, efficiency, predictability, and control—originally associated with the fast-food industry—are increasingly influencing education systems worldwide (Ritzer, Jandrić, & Hayes, 2018). As education becomes commodified, it also becomes more standardized, fostering economic competitiveness and workforce homogenization on a global scale. This trend, however, can lead to “brain drain,” where highly skilled individuals leave their home countries in search of better opportunities abroad. This not only impacts economic stability and development in home countries but also raises questions about the role of education in fostering diverse, resilient economies—a core concern in International Relations.

Finally, in Week 4, Soumya Sharma from the Cavendish Living Lab explored Sustainability and its importance for the future. As populations grow and resources become strained, sustainability becomes increasingly critical, especially within the framework of International Relations. Environmental sustainability is now embedded in many global trade agreements, as demonstrated by the European Union’s Green Deal. This initiative requires trade partners to meet environmental standards, and failure to comply may result in trade barriers like tariffs or embargos. Such policies illustrate how sustainability is an environmental and economic concern, impacting international relations, development, and quality of life.

In summary, these workshops have highlighted the interconnectedness of innovation, education, and sustainability within International Relations. Each session has offered a unique perspective on how these fields influence global interactions, trade, and development, underscoring the importance of a multifaceted approach to addressing complex global issues.

Salman Aziz