‘It’s two million, dude’: more on reach and tracking social media
Digital diplomacy, Social media BlogsThe text discusses the importance of tracking online engagement, particularly focusing on the use of Keyhole for deeper insights beyond headline numbers and the benefits of tagging content for tracking purposes. It also highlights the significance of systematic attention to signposting content through tags and classification terms on social media. Additionally, it emphasizes the value of connecting and conversing on social media to generate traffic and attract attention effectively. The post reflects on the power of data visualization tools like Hawksey's tool for tracking conversations on Twitter.
Webinar summary: Information gathering in the post-Snowden era
Digital diplomacy, History of diplomacy BlogsThe webinar discussed information gathering in the post-Snowden era, emphasizing the challenges diplomats face in filtering relevant data amidst the vast amount of information available online. It highlighted the importance of distinguishing valuable information from biased sources and examined the impact of Snowden's revelations on diplomatic practices, particularly in relation to surveillance and the protection of diplomatic communication as outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The webinar delved into the need for modern safeguards for diplomatic correspondence, considering the evolving technological landscape.
International inviolability for the root zone?
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe blog discusses the critical importance of protecting the internet's core infrastructure from political interference. It argues for maintaining a neutral and secure root zone to ensure global internet stability and accessibility.
Humanitarian Diplomacy course presented at Red Cross Red Crescent Statutory Meeting
Diplomatic theory and practice, Humanitarian diplomacy, Online education BlogsSummary: The Humanitarian Diplomacy course was featured at the Red Cross Red Crescent Statutory Meeting in Sydney, presented by Ambassador Christopher Lamb and an alumni member. The course aims to benefit individuals within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and beyond, providing valuable practical knowledge. Participants emphasized the course's usefulness in their humanitarian work, with alumni members meeting in person at the event, highlighting the benefits of networking and sharing experiences face-to-face.
Lost for words: the value of investment in language training for diplomats
Diplomatic theory and practice, Language (and) diplomacy BlogsInvesting in language training is crucial for diplomats, as highlighted by the opening of a new language center in the UK. Without language skills, diplomats cannot truly understand a country's culture and people. Neglecting language education is seen as short-sighted and detrimental to a country's future economic influence. In a world where quick fixes are sought, long-term investment in language capacity is essential for effective diplomacy, as demonstrated by examples of misunderstandings due to language barriers. Cultural immersion and language skills are key components for diplomats to navigate international relations successfully.
Center to Periphery: differentiating spheres of control in China’s cyberspace
Economic diplomacy, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe message explains China's focus on sovereignty and borders, highlighting its utilization of a center-periphery model to control various spaces, both physical and virtual. Geopolitical spaces, ethnic peripheries, and controlled experimentation in different regions are discussed to illustrate how China maintains control and manages risks. The post emphasizes the importance of maintaining a firm grip on these peripheries to demonstrate the government's competence to rule. Additionally, it touches on the establishment of special economic zones and the management of events held in China as examples of how the center controls and contains potential risks.
The Iran nuke deal: secret negotiations in an era of transparency
Diplomatic theory and practice, Negotiations BlogsThe text underscores the complexity of secret negotiations in an era where transparency is expected. It reveals the strategic balance between confidentiality and public insight in achieving diplomatic breakthroughs, highlighting the deal's significance in international diplomacy.
Cultural diplomacy and Euro-Asian encounter
Cultural diversity, Diplomatic theory and practice, Public Diplomacy BlogsEuro-Asian cultural diplomacy took place at the Spanish Ambassador's residence in New Delhi, where Flamenco and Langa musicians from Rajasthan united in a musical performance. The event signifies a collaboration between Spain and the Merhangarh Trust to explore the connections between their musical heritages. Despite language barriers, the musicians effortlessly communicated through music, highlighting the harmonious fusion of European and Asian traditions, celebrating their shared history and revitalizing cultural connections.
Public policy and the Internet – case studies of Enhanced Cooperation –
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy, Multistakeholder diplomacy BlogsA recent study explores enhanced cooperation in public policy and the Internet, outlining how various stakeholders, including governments, collaborate to address complex issues. The study examines cases where governments work with others in Internet governance globally and nationally. It references key documents supporting multistakeholder involvement, originating from the World Summit on the Information Society. With contributions from Diplo faculty members, the study offers insights into the Internet Governance Forum and Brazilian Internet governance. This research adds to ongoing discussions about defining enhanced cooperation in Internet governance, contributing to the work of the Commission for Science, Technology, and Development.
You have reached 1,202,199 people – really?
Digital diplomacy BlogsThe text discusses the challenges of measuring the impact of e-Diplomacy social media tools and the issue of relying on misleading numbers to evaluate online reach. Emphasizing the importance of engagement over sheer numbers, the writer suggests using tools like Radian 6 for a more accurate analysis. Ultimately, the focus should be on fostering meaningful conversations and connections online, rather than fixating on inflated metrics.
