Increasing innovative diplomacy in South Africa
IFDT, Updates Digital diplomacy, Digital foreign policy, Public Diplomacy UpdatesPresident Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa stressed the importance of innovative diplomacy during the 2022 Heads of Missions conference. He highlighted the need for diplomats to embrace digital diplomacy and host targeted seminars to promote South Africa effectively. The conference focused on attracting tourism, trade, and investment, strengthening cultural ties, and enhancing public diplomacy through social media and advanced tools.
The end of the “naïve” era of science diplomacy?
Updates Science diplomacy UpdatesEuropean universities are shifting towards a more cautious approach in international collaboration post-Russian invasion of Ukraine, marking the end of an era where academic cooperation was viewed as purely beneficial, amidst growing awareness of risks involved in research across borders.
Swiss President stresses role of science in diplomacy
Updates Science diplomacy UpdatesSwiss President emphasizes the importance of utilizing scientific advancements to make informed decisions benefiting global citizens, as highlighted in a speech at Kyoto University regarding the intersection of science and diplomacy.
National champions do not help to win the race for digital industrialisation
Updates Data and diplomacy, E-commerce and trade BlogsNational champions are not the key to digital industrialization success, as shown by China's unique environment fostering such champions. The U.S. model of encouraging innovation and embracing failures in Silicon Valley differs from China's approach. Instead of favoring national champions, countries should focus on assessing their strengths in the digital sphere, developing regional data strategies, ensuring access to data, and seeking common ground with developed nations for mutually beneficial digital economic policies.
NASA plays down Russia’s threat to halt ISS cooperation
Updates Science diplomacy, Space diplomacy UpdatesNASA is downplaying Russia's threat to halt International Space Station cooperation following provocative comments from the head of Roscosmos. Despite the remarks, no action has been taken and both parties are continuing their collaboration as usual.
Will science diplomacy survive?
Updates Science diplomacy, Space diplomacy, Water diplomacyWe raise critical questions about the future of science diplomacy in an era of complex global challenges. We examine the role of scientific collaboration in bridging divides and fostering international cooperation, emphasizing its potential for addressing global issues.
The US is pursuing holistic digital diplomacy
Updates Digital diplomacyWe discuss the need for a comprehensive approach to digital diplomacy, integrating technological advancements with traditional diplomatic practices. This exploration advocates for strategies that leverage digital tools to enhance diplomatic engagement, communication, and problem-solving on a global scale.
Digital Markets Act
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to ensure the proper functioning of the EU internal market by 'promoting effective competition in digital markets' and, in particular, a fair and contestable online platform environment.
The new Russian cult of war
Updates International relations and diplomacy UpdatesThe rise of a new Russian cult of war is driven by a shift towards conservative priorities, rooted in the Russian World ideology emphasizing heritage and ethnicity. The country's leadership, including Putin's circles, is steering away from modernization in favor of traditional values. This movement is tied to a desire for an improved quality of life and is reflective of global trends impacted by the pandemic, influencing identities and nationalism. Putin's revival of conservative ideologies from Russian history, like Konstantin Leontyev, plays a significant role in shaping this new direction.
Quantum hype and predictions for the future of technology
Updates UpdatesSankar Das Sarma, a quantum physics researcher, challenges the current hype around quantum computing by highlighting the unpredictability of its development. Comparing it to the slow progress of aviation technology, he questions where quantum computing stands on the timeline of technological evolution. Sarma emphasizes that making accurate predictions about quantum advancements is challenging due to the mysterious nature of quantum mechanics.
