US government releases Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy
Space diplomacy Space diplomacy UpdatesThe US government has introduced a Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy, focusing on global space leadership, enhancing international cooperation, and responsible behavior among space actors. The framework outlines actions in diplomacy for space, leveraging space activities in diplomacy, and empowering the Department of State's workforce in space diplomacy. It also emphasizes the importance of evolving global governance in outer space activities to encourage responsible stewardship and maximize the benefits of the space economy. Measures include promoting space safety and security, transparency, and responsible behavior by space actors.
First full AI-reporting from the UN meeting
AI diplomacy, Artificial Intelligence, Digital diplomacy, Multilateral diplomacy UpdatesDiploGPT provided the first full AI-reporting from the UN Security Council meeting.
Czechia signs Artemis Accords
Updates Space diplomacy UpdatesCzechia has joined the Artemis Accords, bringing the total number of participating countries to 24. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský expressed optimism about the collaboration's potential during the signing ceremony in Washington.
Giant panda Ya Ya returns to China after controversy
Panda diplomacy, Public Diplomacy UpdatesReturn of Ya Ya, a giant panda from USA to China may marked the end of panda diplomacy between USA and China.
Partners agree to extending operations of International Space Station
Space diplomacy Space diplomacy UpdatesThe International Space Station partners have committed to extending the operations of the station in low Earth orbit, until 2030. The USA, Japan, Canada, and the participating countries of the European Space Agency have confirmed they will support continued space station operations through 2030, while Russia has confirmed it will support continued station operations through 2028.
USA and South Korea agree to strengthen cooperation in space science and exploration
Space diplomacy Space diplomacy UpdatesThe US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Ministry of Science and ICT of South Korea signed a joint statement of intent to explore further cooperation in space science and exploration. The two organisations will undertake a concept study to identify joint projects related to deep space communications, lunar science and technology, including gateways, robotics, mobility, and space medicine research for lunar settlement activities.
T25 non-aligned countries and new geopolitics
Geopolitics UpdatesThe rise of Non-Aligned countries is an increasingly important factor in global affairs. They currently account for 45% of the world’s population, and their share of global GDP has risen from 11% when the Berlin Wall fell to 18% today. This economic clout has given them more influence in global affairs, and they have a pragmatic approach to the world, wanting to trade freely with both sides of the geopolitical divide.
Can satellites replace fibre optics for internet communication?
Infrastructure, Space diplomacy, Telecommunications infrastructure UpdatesSo far, satellites have not been alternative for fibre optic cables due to problem of latency and bandwidth. However, it may change with the new US military project of the Space-Based Adaptive Communications Node (Space-BACN) programme, which aims to create a laser-enabled military internet in orbit around Earth. It would interconnect different satellites, thus establishing a communication network that would enable better information sharing between different branches of the US military, as well as with their allies worldwide.
Most communication satellites currently use radio waves to communicate, however, radio signals are easier to intercept, jam and disrupt. Lasers, on the other hand, offer higher data rates and facilitate communication between satellites of different operators, reducing the delays and improving the response time for military operations.
U.S. diplomats need tech skills to compete with China
Digital diplomacy UpdatesU.S. diplomats must enhance their tech skills to rival China's influence, prompting a call for a reorganization within the State Department. The proposal includes incentivizing diplomats to improve their technical capabilities to handle global challenges effectively. Recent aid to Costa Rica and Albania highlights the critical role of tech expertise, with future ambassadors expected to grasp technology issues. Establishing a permanent fund for cybersecurity assistance underscores the urgency for diplomats to strengthen tech competencies in competing with China.
Science and Religion: Mutual interplay instead of opposition
Religious diplomacy, Science diplomacy UpdatesNicholas Spencer, in his book ‘Magisteria,’ provides an arresting history of the relationship between science and religion. According to Spencer, the mainstream understanding, that has been promoted by Richard Dawkins and others, that science and religion are strongly antithetical, is misleading. For centuries, science and religion have been ‘endlessly and fascinatingly entangled’.
The main points of the book are that the relationship between science and religion is complex and intertwined, and that science and religion are not mutually exclusive. Proposals include that mutual hostility between science and religion has risen in recent decades, and that humans should be able to tolerate complexity without declaring war.
