Joy Zhang

This book discusses how the global governance of science can be improved in the face of emerging powers. The rise of India’s and China’s life sciences are used as examples. We use the terms ‘elephant’ and ‘dragon’ metaphorically. That is, China and India are both seen as emerging ‘dragons’ and as ‘elephants’. Both countries have formidable resources and are boldly determined to have their presence felt. Both have been increasingly recognised as significant partners at the international science forums. Yet even when regulatory pledges are made between Western institutions and China or India during international meetings, there often remains an ‘elephant in the room’. Would these two Global South scientific ‘dragons’ really abide by the agreed rules? 

Through unpacking critical events in China and India over the past twenty years, it demonstrates that the ‘subversiveness’ assumed in the two countries’ rise in the life sciences reflects many of the regulatory challenges that are shared worldwide. It points to a decolonial imperative for science governance to be responsive and effective in a cosmopolitan world. By highlighting epistemic injustice within contemporary science, the book extends theories of decolonisation.