[Guest post] 140 characters or fewer: simplifying the message
Communication Blogs[Guest post] 140 characters or fewer: In an era of information overload, simplicity is key for effective communication. Dr. Shujaat Wasty shares insights on the value of brevity.
Diplo web in 2013 – how was it for you?
Digital diplomacy BlogsDiplo's website experienced growth in 2013, with increased traffic and content. Lessons learned include the importance of collaborating with organizations for communication, strong presence on social media platforms, and the need to improve visitor engagement on the site. The audience is widespread globally, with an emphasis on certain countries. Feedback is requested to enhance the website's service in alignment with Diplo's core mission.
Guest blog: Diplomats need to be able to talk to locals, not just leaders
Diplomatic theory and practice, Language (and) diplomacy BlogsIvor Roberts emphasizes the importance of diplomats being able to communicate in local languages, not just with leaders. Roberts notes the necessity for diplomats to engage with ordinary citizens to understand cultures, public opinions, and predict socio-political movements. Language skills empower diplomats to fulfill their role effectively by facilitating interactions at all societal levels. Roberts suggests that lacking language proficiency can hinder international understanding, as seen in examples like the Arab Spring. Diplomacy involves listening, interpreting, contextualizing, and influencing, with local language skills being a critical tool for success.
The New Media landscape
E-tools, Social media BlogsThe text discusses how diverse forms of media are crucial for successful journalism in today's New Media landscape. The blog post suggests that journalists, diplomats, and anyone communicating with the public can benefit from the resources available in various digital platforms like social media. The message recommends exploring resources like The Common Sense site, The New Media Toolkit site, and the Mediashift site to understand the evolving role of journalists and social media in communication.
Sharing professional experience to enhance humanitarian diplomacy practice
Alumni Diplomatic theory and practice, Humanitarian diplomacy, Online education BlogsDiploFoundation and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies collaborate to offer an online course on Humanitarian Diplomacy. In an interview, Ms. Bente MacBeath from the Norwegian Red Cross shares her experience attending the course in 2013. She sought to refresh and expand her knowledge on humanitarian policy and communication skills, finding practical tools and methodologies beneficial. The interactive nature of the course, despite time challenges, facilitated global discussions and diverse perspectives, enhancing her understanding of humanitarian diplomacy through shared experiences.
Center to Periphery (Part II): territorial sovereignty in Chinese cyberspace
Content policy, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe text discusses the limitations on internet freedom in China despite forecasts of liberalization by figures like Eric Schmidt and Tim Berners-Lee. It highlights Google's struggle with censorship in China and the government's stringent control over cyberspace. The post emphasizes that sovereignty in cyberspace mirrors China's territorial sovereignty, hinting at continued strict control and limited liberalization prospects on the internet, especially in the mainland.
Can technology help preserve elements of culture in the Digital Age?
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy, Language (and) diplomacy, Multilingualism BlogsDigital technology is often blamed for eroding local cultures, causing identity loss. However, the internet can act as a platform for preserving and sharing cultural elements. Initiatives like Kasahorow, Indigenous Tweets, Nkyea, and Leti Arts exemplify how technology can be leveraged to protect and promote indigenous cultures. By providing access to more local content, society can stay connected to its roots. While technology poses a risk to cultural diversity, it also offers solutions to safeguard and showcase lesser-known cultures globally. Individuals and companies are actively contributing to this preservation effort.
Mandela, a giant of empathy
Compromise, Diplomatic theory and practice BlogsReflecting on Nelson Mandela's legacy, we highlight his unparalleled empathy, demonstrating how his understanding and compassion reshaped not only South Africa but the world. His leadership, rooted in empathy, offers timeless lessons in diplomacy and human connection.
[Guest blog] The Internet of Things: keeping pace with technology
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy, Internet of things BlogsThe Internet of Things (IoT) envisions a future where all devices are online. Despite the hype, concerns about data privacy and storage arise with the IoT's proliferation. Consumers favor online connectivity, potentially safeguarding IoT data by leveraging social media privacy features. Policymakers face challenges in regulating data from devices like refrigerators to pacemakers. The IoT's success may hinge on data management. Desiree Miloshevic explores these issues, indicating a promising future for IoT adoption.
Webinar digest – International Law for Diplomats
Diplomatic law, Diplomatic theory and practice, International relations and diplomacy BlogsThe webinar focused on the significance of international law for diplomats, emphasizing their role in shaping it daily, the sources relevant to them, their ability to bind their states, immunity from legal proceedings, potential criminal liability, and conflicts between international and domestic laws. Ultimately, it highlighted the growing recognition of international law's importance in international relations.
