Diplomatic extraterritoriality
Revisit Diplomatic theory and practice BlogsDiplomatic extraterritoriality isn’t absolute, but a tool shaped by political necessity. Examples from historic ambassadors to Assange show how its application is influenced by power dynamics. Aldo Matteucci analyses.
The WTO Joint Initiative stabilised ‘Agreement on Electronic commerce’: Looking at the broader picture
E-commerce and trade Blogs
After almost seven years of discussions and formal negotiations, the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on e-commerce (JSI) has produced a stabilised 'Agreement on Electronic commerce'. This milestone represents an important achievement for the…
Which predictive method is better: Simple or sophisticated?
Revisit Diplomatic theory and practice BlogsPredicting outcomes in complex systems reveals that simple methods often perform as well as complex ones. Aldo Matteucci delves deeper into the topic.
The Overlooked Peril: Cyber failures amidst AI hype
Artificial Intelligence, Cybernorms, Cybersecurity BlogsToday's CloudStrike failure has jolted us into a harsh reality. For the past two years, the tech world has been abuzz with discussions about the potential risks of AI. Conferences, initiatives, and think tanks have dedicated countless hours to debating the hypothetical dangers AI might pose in the future. However, while our attention was fixed on the AI horizon, a more immediate threat lurked in the shadows of our increasingly complex digital infrastructure.
AI@UN: Navigating the tightrope between innovation and impartiality
Artificial Intelligence, Geopolitics, Infrastructure, International relations and diplomacy, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe UN faces the challenge of integrating AI in a way that maintains its impartiality and credibility, advocating for an open-source AI platform contributed to by countries, companies, and citizens to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to its core principles.
São Paulo Multistakeholder Guidelines: A breath of fresh air into digital governance debates
Artificial Intelligence, Internet governance and digital policy Blogs
On April 29 and 30 April, NETMundial+10 met in São Paulo on its 10th anniversary. Back in 2014, NETMundial gathered at the critical moment of ICANN's transition from US government guardianship to multistakeholder one, which happened in…
The winding road to understanding soft power
Revisit Public Diplomacy, Soft Power Diplomacy, Types of diplomacy BlogsThe post examines how shared beliefs and experiences shape society, alongside the continuous evolution of our social structures.
Tribute to Frans de Waal: Can primates teach us how to stop the wars in Gaza and Ukraine?
Animal diplomacy, Compromise BlogsThis is a tribute to Frans de Waal, renowned primatologists. He scientifically demonstrated that primates have emotions, a sense of fairness, and the ability to resolve conflicts peacefully.
13th WTO Ministerial Conference: What is at stake for digital trade?
Conferences, E-commerce and trade E-commerce and trade, Economic, Geopolitics, Globalisation, International law, International relations and diplomacy, Politics and governance, Public policy BlogsThe 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi will address various trade issues, including digital trade. Key topics include the extension of the moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions and ongoing negotiations on digital policy. The conference might not yield major breakthroughs, but discussions on e-commerce continue, with differing views on extending the moratorium. The conference will also consider the impact of Joint Initiatives on trade liberalization and regulatory cooperation to reduce technical barriers to trade. While outcomes may not dramatically alter the e-commerce landscape, they could emphasize the importance of plurilateral agreements in governing digital trade.
The diplomatic consequences of Mrs Sacoolas
Diplo Wisdom Circle BlogsFollowing a tragic 2019 incident where Anne Sacoolas, a US diplomat's wife, fatally struck a British motorcyclist, the UK and USA have updated diplomatic immunity laws.
