New Cyberspace and Digital Policy Bureau at the US State Department
Updates Digital diplomacy, Cybersecurity, Digital foreign policy, Foreign ministries UpdatesThe US State Department has established a new Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, merging units on cybersecurity and digital policies. The bureau will be led by an ambassador-at-large and aims to modernize diplomacy. Additionally, a policy ideas channel has been created to facilitate sharing ideas between diplomats and leadership. More details can be found in The Wall Street Journal and The Hill.
Update on Facebook Papers
Updates Content policy UpdatesAn update on the Facebook Papers has revealed new insights into the company's operations. Whistleblower Frances Haugen's legal counsel provided redacted documents to Congress and 17 news organizations, including the Wall Street Journal, exposing Facebook's awareness of platform issues.
Zooming out of digital diplomacy
Updates Digital diplomacy UpdatesThe message expresses the limitations of videoconference diplomacy which lacks personal interactions essential for trust-building in diplomacy. It advocates for a shift beyond videoconferencing to enhance diplomatic relations.
The rights of future generations: What are our responsibilities?
UN SG Summit of the Future documents, Updates Economic, Future of work, Internet governance and digital policy, Rights of future generations BlogsThe UN Secretary-General opened a discussion the rights of future generations with his report 'Our Common Agenda' launched on the 10th September 2021. This text aims to map the main questions and dilemmas on the rights of future generations.
Legal Implications of Sea Level Rise for Small Island States
Updates Diplomacy of small states UpdatesThe World Bank study explores legal implications of sea-level rise on maritime rights of Pacific Island nations, suggesting potential need for reevaluation of international legal conventions.
Data-Informed Diplomacy
Updates Data and diplomacy UpdatesThe State Department initiated a strategy for data-driven diplomacy, highlighting the importance of evidence-based and data-driven diplomatic activities for the United States. The strategy aims to launch this initiative over a 3-year period and offers resources for those interested in following its progress or participating in related courses.
What Meetings Will Look Like In The Future
Updates Future of meetings UpdatesHybrid meetings are evolving to integrate virtual and in-person participants, optimizing the benefits of both formats. New software tools are enhancing the experience, allowing for a more tailored approach based on the advantages of each mode. This shift is redefining traditional meeting structures, promising a more interactive and engaging future.
How did Facebook go down? An analysis
Updates Cybersecurity BlogsFacebook, along with its sister services Whatsapp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger, experienced a six-hour outage due to a technical issue with Border Gateway Protocol settings. Potential scenarios include a technical mistake, disgruntled insider involvement, a cyberattack, or a deliberate shutdown to investigate data leaks. The incident led to financial losses and a decrease in Facebook's value. Concerns arise regarding data security, hate speech tolerance, and the role of tech platforms in society, highlighting the need for regulations and ethical considerations in the digital realm.
How to break down silos across defence, diplomacy and development?
Updates COVID-19 diplomacy, Development, Foreign policy BlogsEfforts to break down silos between defence, diplomacy, and development are being prioritized globally, with countries like the United States and Australia taking steps to integrate these areas for more effective policy-making. This strategy, known as 3D or 4D, is seen as crucial for national and global challenges.
COLUMN: Why the U.S. Must Lead in COVID-19 Vaccine Diplomacy
Updates UpdatesThe U.S. must prioritize leading in COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy to address national security concerns.
