Email Etiquette
Digital diplomacy, Diplomatic protocol and etiquette, E-tools BlogsThe text discusses email etiquette for diplomats, highlighting the importance of timely responses, professionalism, and clarity in email communication. It emphasizes the need for thoughtful subject lines, clear identification, concise messages, and prompt replies. The text also touches on the challenges of managing overflowing inboxes and the necessity of responding to public inquiries. Additionally, it provides tips for creating effective emails, such as avoiding attachments unless necessary, differentiating between formal and informal situations, and proofreading before sending.
Stakeholders? On tap – not on top!
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy, Multistakeholder diplomacy BlogsThe text criticizes the concept of multi-stakeholderism as a solution in international relations, questioning its democratic nature, efficiency, and lack of clear rules. It highlights issues such as potential self-serving deals, difficulty in reform, and favoritism towards strong interests. Drawing parallels with historical and biological developments, it suggests that multi-stakeholderism is an early phase in structure-building, akin to collectives evolving into organized structures. The text concludes with a call for multiple stakeholders to be involved but not dominating - suggesting they should be "on tap, not on top.
Honorary Consuls – a booming trade
Consular and diaspora diplomacy, Contemporary diplomacy, Diplomatic theory and practice, Honorary consuls BlogsThe practice of appointing honorary consuls is on the rise, with over 20,000 worldwide. These appointees, often locals working without pay, aid in diplomatic representation in smaller or emerging countries, and assist travelers and businesses. Despite occasional controversies, honorary consuls play a crucial role in citizen diplomacy. While some countries like the United States do not appoint them, many others see merit in utilizing this cost-effective option, particularly in a time of shrinking foreign ministry budgets. This unconventional form of diplomacy presents a promising trend for international representation.
Brazil-US relations and regional reactions to Snowden’s NSA leaks
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe text discusses tensions in Brazil-US relations following Snowden's NSA leaks and Brazil's reaction to postpone a visit. South American countries also condemned the interception of communications and are working on cyber defense projects. The monitoring of Rousseff's communications raised concerns about the undefined status of the bilateral relationship. The postponed visit sends a message that harmful policies could strain relations with key partners, encouraging others to respond firmly. Brazil is not acting alone, as there are coordinated responses in South America, including plans to decentralize internet traffic.
Why we need strong internet governance?
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe message emphasizes the need for strong internet governance due to concerns over government profiling, internet companies' data collection practices, and the lack of transparency in behavior monitoring. It stresses the importance of users being vigilant and involved in internet governance to avoid potential negative consequences of unregulated practices.
Are we facing a turning point in global digital politics?
Cybersecurity, Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy, Privacy and data protection BlogsWe're at a potential crossroads in global digital politics, facing challenges that could reshape international norms and regulations in the digital domain. This moment prompts a reevaluation of digital sovereignty and governance strategies to ensure a balanced and inclusive global digital future.
The forward march of e-diplomacy paused…?
Digital diplomacy, Social media BlogsA poll on attitudes towards e-diplomacy post-Snowden reveals uncertainty about its impact, with Facebook and Amazon reacting strongly. There are concerns about social media influencing public opinion in diplomatic matters, and debates on the effectiveness of platforms like Twitter in diplomacy. Evidence also suggests negative impacts of our digital culture, such as increased envy and decreased focus. The evolving interplay between technology, commercial interests, and human behavior in the online realm remains unpredictable. Further data is sought to inform future planning.
Are citizen-run mesh networks the key to an open Internet? Probably not. (Part 2)
Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe text discusses the limitations of citizen-run mesh networks in achieving a globally interconnected Internet. It addresses bandwidth, latency, and security concerns within mesh networks, debunking myths about their features. Despite reducing reliance on major industries, mesh networks are not a complete solution due to practical challenges in creating a global mesh network. However, the concept of mesh networks could be valuable in software and services to reduce dependence on major global services. The text concludes by comparing global clouds to stormy cumulonimbus and suggesting that digital cloudlets within community networks could bring about a more open internet.
Are citizen-run mesh networks the key to an open Internet? Probably not. (Part 1)
Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe text discusses the potential of citizen-run mesh networks as a refuge from centralized control on the internet. These networks allow users to connect directly, bypassing the need for a central point of control. Mesh networks promise benefits like increased privacy, resistance to censorship, and lower access costs. The narrative explores the idea of a decentralized, freedom-focused internet landscape facilitated by mesh networks, presenting them as a possible solution to various internet governance issues.
The History of Wireless Communications in Canada’s Arctic – Part Three
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe blog highlights the importance of extending wireless communication in Nunavut due to its immense geography, small population, high travel costs, and need for broadband for education, business, and healthcare. Broadband is crucial for preserving Inuit culture, enhancing governance, and overcoming the challenges of high living costs. The region relies on tele-health for medical services and demands more affordable access to broadband to bridge the connectivity gap with the rest of Canada. Nunavut aims to enhance its infrastructure as new cost-effective technologies emerge.
