Paper Summary
Share...

Direct link:

The Earth Sciences Go Global: Competition and Collaboration among Earth Scientists from East and West to Classify and Map the Soils of the World, 1960s-1990s

Sun, November 20, 10:00 to 11:45am, Wardman DC Marriott, Floor: Lobby Level, Park Tower Suite 8228

Abstract

Soviet scientists played a preeminent role in the history of international encounters and decisions on classifying and mapping the world’s soils. Based on the records of the Russian Academy of Sciences and UNESCO, this paper provides a case study of the tensions between cooperation and competition. It analyses how Soviet soil scientists took part in creating the FAO and UNESCO World’s Soil Map (1961-1981) and in elaborating an internationally accepted soil taxonomy (1980s-90s), and how they understood and handled the rivalry and collaboration with their US colleagues.

Author