Policy & Research
We focus our policy work and research on internet governance, digital policy, and diplomacy. Most of our work happens at the intersection of ‘digital’ and diplomacy. The three areas of focus are:
- ‘Digital’ as a topic on the diplomatic agenda
- ‘Digital’ as a tool for diplomatic practice, and
- ‘Digital’ as impacting the geostrategic environment in which diplomacy is practised.
The main aim of our work is to inform practitioners. Both the content and the way we present our work is focused on supporting practitioners in a way that allows them to ask the right kinds of questions and to make well-informed decisions. We need to develop:
- Careful synthesising: We synthesise complex academic debates and carefully select the most relevant academic concepts and theoretical approaches.
- Collaborating and co-creating: We make sure our research is informed by the experience of practitioners and builds on in-depth dialogues with those at the forefront of diplomatic practice.
- Informing practices: Increasing the knowledge base on internet governance, digital policy, and diplomacy is important. But we do not engage in research for the sake of research. Everything we do is guided by practical relevance and the value it brings to our key stakeholders.
- Narrowing the digital divide: We put the needs and perspective of diplomats and other stakeholders from the global South centre stage.
Recent highlights
- The emergence of digital foreign policy – Jovan Kurbalija, Katharina Höne; 2021, DiploFoundation
- Sustainable Capacity Building: Internet Governance in Africa – An Action Plan – Marilia Maciel; 2020, DiploFoundation
- The future of (multilateral) diplomacy? Changes in response to COVID-19 and beyond – Katharina E. Höne; 2020, DiploFoundation
- Science & Diplomacy: How countries interact with the Boston innovation ecosystem – P. Ittelson, J.C. Mauduit; 2019, DiploFoundation, AAAS
- Mediation and artificial intelligence: Notes on the future of international conflict resolution- Katharina E. Höne; 2019, DiploFoundation
- Diplomacy and Secret Service – G.R. Berridge; 2019, DiploFoundation
An Introduction to Internet Governance
First published in 2004, this book is now in its 7th edition. The aim of the book, by Diplo director Dr Jovan Kurbalija, is to provide a comprehensive overview of the main issues and actors in the field through a practical framework for analysis, discussion, and resolution of significant issues.
Written in a clear and accessible way, supplemented with figures and illustrations, it focuses on the technical, security, legal, economic, development, sociocultural, and human rights aspects of Internet governance.
The text and approaches presented in the book have been used by DiploFoundation and many universities as a basis from training courses and capacity development programmes on Internet governance.
Briefing Papers
Our Briefing Papers series focuses on a variety of issues related to diplomatic practice and internet governance (IG). The papers cover both recent events and historical developments which aim to provide diplomatic and IG practitioners with concise overviews of key and emerging issues they face. They offer a space for reflections beyond day-to-day work, but are simultaneously rooted in practice. Our contributors are practitioners as well as academics.
