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DiploNews – Issue 495 – 15 July 2024

Diplo Academy upcoming courses and programmes

⭐ Humanitarian Diplomacy online course: Applications open! 

Applications are now open for our Humanitarian Diplomacy online diploma course, offered in cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Learn how to advance your career and improve the work of your organisation!

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☀️ Diplo’s 2024 summer online courses

Register now to reserve your place in our specialised summer courses!

For further information and to apply, click the course titles above or visit Diplo’s course catalogue.

◆ Need financial assistance? Scholarships are available!

Thanks to support from the government of Malta, partial scholarships are available for applicants from developing countries to attend upcoming Diplo online courses. These scholarships cover 30%–60% of course fees and can be applied to most 2024 online courses. Browse our course catalogue and contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu for further information.


Upcoming events

◆ Using Current and Emerging Cyber Tools for Disaster Management in Africa

How can cutting-edge cyber tools and technologies improve disaster management practices in Africa?

Join us as we discuss innovative solutions that enable quicker, more coordinated responses to crises, ultimately enhancing overall resilience in the region.

🗓️ Wednesday, 24 July 2024
🕐 13:30–15:00 UTC
📍 Online

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Our recent events

◆ Cables, Novels and Nobels: The Journey of Diplomacy and Literature

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◆ UN Cybercrime Convention: Will states give in disagreements for the sake of a global common threat?

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Blogs and publications

◆ Digital Watch newsletter – Issue #91 – July 2024

In our July issue, we examine how the UN can navigate the tightrope between innovation and impartiality when integrating AI into its operations; we explore how AI chatbots master language using principles rooted in the linguistic theories of Ferdinand de Saussure; we also look at recent government actions on digital antitrust oversight, and explain how social media giants triumphed in the free speech showdown at the US Supreme Court. Read the July issue!

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◆ DW Weekly #168 (12 July 2024)

In the latest DW Weekly: Do recent reports and surveys show that China is winning the AI race? Plus, Microsoft gave up its observer seat on OpenAI’s board, NATO announced the launch of a cyber defence centre, and the EU asked Amazon for DSA compliance details. Read DW Weekly #168!


◆ ConfTech Digest #37, June/July

The world of online meetings is in constant evolution, with continuous enhancements and new features being the order of the day. This month, we look at the latest from Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom, including access levels for post-meeting content, meeting notes, user consent for transcription, redesign of in-call controls, multi-speaker video layouts, and more! Read the ConfTech Digest #37!


◆ Inviolability of Embassies and Consulates: The Recent Example of Israel and Iran

How do recent attacks on the Iranian Consulate in Syria and subsequent retaliations impact international law? Alan Franklin explores the legal nuances of the Israel–Iran conflict. Read the blog post!


◆ The price of ignoring context in problem-solving

Without context, problem-solving skills suffer, affecting both personal and social effectiveness. Aldo Matteucci explains why cultivating creativity and contextual awareness is essential. Read the blog post!


◆ Are States Truly Unitary Actors?

The ‘realism’ theory assumes states have a single coherent principal directing subordinate agents, but history tells a different story. WWI, the 1941 USA–Japan oil embargo, and the Vietnam War reveal complex internal dynamics. Aldo Matteucci analyses. Read the blog post!


Latest videos

◆ DWshorts #25: Detroit’s Facial Recognition Fiasco & EU’s Big Tech Crackdown

After wrongful arrests, the Detroit Police Department has agreed to new rules limiting how it can use facial recognition. In other news, the EU policy watchdog has warned Meta about its ‘pay or consent’ advertising model, which is considered by the European Commission to be a breach of the Digital Markets Act. Apple and Nvidia are also under scrutiny for antitrust behaviour.

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◆ AI Shorts #6: Digital Immortality

In this video, we break down the idea of digital immortality: mind-uploading, virtual reality avatars, AI simulations, and digital legacies. We also explore the technologies behind the idea: neural prosthetics, brain-computer interfaces, machine learning and AI, and virtual and augmented reality, along with the ethical and philosophical considerations.

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Don’t miss…

◆ How AI Will Shape the UN’s Policies and Activities

Ahead of the Summit of the Future in September, Dr Jovan Kurbalija argues that the UN cannot ignore the challenges brought by the AI revolution. Read the article on AIBusiness.com!


◆ CoEnnect Digital Policy Talks: Discussing Trends in Digital Diplomacy, Digital Governance Models, Monopolies, and Digital Divides with Jovan Kurbalija

In this College of Europe Podcast, Dr Jovan Kurbalija discusses a number of topics, ranging from the societal effects and implications of generative AI, trends in digital diplomacy, and digital governance models to long-termism and monopolies, as well as the digital divides between developing and developed countries. Listen to the podcast!

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◆ Is Switzerland Losing Its Status as a Leader in Digital Governance?

Dr Jovan Kurbalija participated in a debate organised by the Geneva Press Club, in collaboration with Geneva Solutions. Access the recording and further resources!

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