DiploNews – Issue 29 – 5 January 2001
Language and Diplomacy Conference Papers
A couple months ago we announced our International Conference on Language and Diplomacy, to be held between 26 and 28 January, 2001. In order to increase the effectiveness of communication during this conference, we have decided to introduce hypertext-based discussion of papers both before and after the conference. The first papers are now available in hyptertext. Aldo Matteucci analyses the linguistic side of the New Zealand-Maori agreement. Dietrich Kappeler discusses texts in diplomacy. Donald Sola introduces his software for language learning and the world langauge initiative, and Edmond Pascual writes on the pragmatics of diplomatic exchange. You can access these papers and add your own comments/links by choosing "documents" from the conference website menu. We will inform you when new papers are available.
While our conferences always have a strong virtual component, we believe that direct human interaction is irreplaceable. The conference will give participants the change to discuss many initiatives in the field of language and diplomacy such as the launching of a specialised e-journal, etc.
Cyber-Conflict
Techno-optimists frequently consider the Internet a panacea for all social problems. They claim that higher interaction and transparency will lead to more harmonious relations, and that "the more we know about each other the less likely we will be to solve our problems violently". While this is an interesting topic for research, we must take into consideration that during several recent crises (Balkans, Middle East, etc.) the Internet has been used as a weapon in the conflict. Visit this webpage for an example from the current Middle East conflict.
New Dictionary of Diplomacy
Palgrave (formerly Macmillan Press) has just published a new "Dictionary of Diplomacy" compiled by Professor Geoff Berridge and Professor Alan James.
This new dictionary, the most comprehensive ever dedicated to diplomacy, will provide a much needed resource in the field. Not only does it contain a comprehensive range of diplomatic terms, but it also includes entries on legal terms, political events, international organisations and major figures who have occupied the diplomatic scene or written influentially about it over the last half millennium. All students of diplomacy and related subjects and members of the many diplomatic services of the world will find this book indispensable.
The dictionary is available at the cost of £55.00. For more information, and to order a copy, go to the website.
Subscribe to Diplo's News
