Even in the midst of the World Wars, scientists worked on theories developed by colleagues from warring nations.

For example, the work of British experimentalists and

theorists in the fields of quantum and relativity theories

along with their German counterparts exemplifies the importance

of the social practice of science, which could

transcend political divisions. Similar instances of scientists

drawing on and supporting the work of scientists in

countries which are politically polarized continues even

today. In a way this is ironical, since scientists are also at

the forefront of pioneering weapons technology and are

zealously protected by their States.