The large-scale response to the national academic emergency in Iraq provides important lessons about the challenges and potential positive effects on academic communities and future development in a region of conflict.

The first chief scientific adviser to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office presents the challenges of a part-time position while demonstrating the utility of science to UK diplomacy.

North Korea will need international scientific expertise to identify and conserve important species that are vital to a sustainable future and therefore peace on the peninsula.

Iran’s electricity exports, untouched by European and U.S. sanctions, serve as an alternative outlet for Iran’s extensive natural gas reserves and also support Iran's aspirations of long-term regional influence.

International research institutions like CERN and ICTP play a unique role in bringing scientists together at politically neutral sites to address the most ambitious scientific questions while bridging cultural, developmental, and political gaps.