DiploNews – Issue 201 – 3 April 2012
Featured online course: E-diplomacy
- Should diplomats blog?
- Can we negotiate effectively online?
- Are there security risks for diplomats in using online tools?
Diplomatic activities are increasingly supported by Internet tools. Diplomats rely on the Internet to find information, communicate with colleagues via e-mail, and negotiate draft texts in electronic format; diplomats are also increasingly using social networking platforms such as blogs and Facebook. This course focuses on the opportunities and challenges Internet tools offer for diplomatic activities. As the main course assignment, participants will develop social media strategies for their diplomatic missions, ministries, or organisations. The next session of E-diplomacy starts the week of 7 May 2012. Read more and apply by 13 April.
Call for applications: Next Generation Leaders e-learning programme ‘Shaping the Internet – History and Futures’
Applications are now open for the Internet Society’s Next Generation Leaders (NGL) e-learning programme ‘Shaping the Internet – History and Futures’ in English,
French, and Spanish. The Internet Society seeks talented individuals wishing to join the new generation of Internet leaders, who will address the critical technology, policy, business, and education challenges that lie ahead. Following the success of last year’s programme, in 2012 the Internet Society is offering two classes in English, one in French, and one in Spanish. All classes will start the week of 21 May 2012. The course, ‘Shaping the Internet – History and Futures’, is delivered online, using a highly interactive learning methodology, by DiploFoundation. Places in the e-learning course are strictly limited, so all applications will be subject to a thorough selection process. Apply by 10 April 2012.
Book review
Diplo’s latest book review, written by faculty member Ambassador Paramjit S Sahai, looks at Mexico and its Diaspora in the United States: Policies of Emigration since 1848 by Alexandra Délano. ‘Délano’s book is a window on migration flows – an examination of Mexico’s emigration policies covering different periods and connecting migration policies with overall policies.’ To read the full review, visit our book reviews page.
Discussing Internet governance
The role of ISPs has often attracted debate: to what extent – if any – should they be held responsible for the content they deliver? In his first post on ‘Hey, Govs – leave those ISPs alone!’, Vladimir Radunovic discusses ‘forced liability’ on ISPs; in the second part, he discusses the need for new regulatory and governance approaches.
Yet the most debatable event of the month was undoubtedly ICANN’s 43rd meeting, held recently in Costa Rica. Our March Internet governance webinar, on ‘Outcomes of ICANN 43’, summarised the main discussions. The webinar was streamed live, and a podcast and summary are now available. From our blog roll, in Red Cross and Internet Governance with Cause Jovan Kurbalija describes the grounds behind ICANN’s decision to protect the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ name. In his second post, ICANN and the Red Cross: An exceptional exception, he describes the controversies and complexities surrounding this decision. Our Internet goverance community members also blogged about developments from ICANN. Naveed Ul Haq describes ICANN’s new gTLD Programme in Internet Domain Name Space to Go Spacious: 2012 is a Historic Year. Priyanthi Daluwatte shares information on ICANN’s survey which aims to encourage community input on improving its effectiveness as a global organisation; while Christopher Martin shares information on ICANN’s call for applications for its Support Applicant Review Panel, an important component of the new gTLD Applicant Support Programme.
On a different note, our Internet governance coordinator, Virginia (Ginger) Paque is back from Abuja, Nigeria, where she delivered a three-day training workshop as part of IDLELO 5's Free and Open Source Foundation For Africa Conference. Read about her experience here.
Upcoming online courses – application deadline extended
From the fundamentals of diplomacy to the most exciting new trends: check our four interactive online courses starting in May 2012:
Courses start the week of 7 May 2012. Apply by 13 April for Diplo Certificate Courses. For further information or to apply, click on the titles of the courses above, or visit our courses website. Register now to reserve your place.
Diplomacy of Small States has further strengthened my knowledge and belief that regardless of constraints, some small states have shown their ability to project formidable foreign policy initiatives. The course has to a large extent helped to broaden my horizon at a global level, thanks to the weekly assignments from colleagues, analysing the different perspectives on how small states practice their diplomacy.
Momodu Wurie, Head of Chancery, Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Tripoli, Libya
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