DiploFoundation

The Chinese version of the Internet Governance booklet was presented at the opening session of the "2005 China Internet Conference" (Beijing, 1 September 2005). The conference is the main annual Internet event in China and is attended by thousands of participants, including representatives from government, the business sector, and academia. The main topic of this year's conference was regional cooperation in Asia, which attracted a great deal of international participation, including such key Internet players as Google and Microsoft. The conference was organised by the China Internet Society, which was also responsible for publishing the Chinese version of the Internet Governance booklet.The director of DiploFoundation, Jovan Kurbalija, presented the booklet in a speech at the opening session of the conference. Here are some highlights from his speech:

Highlight 1: ANALOGUE SOLUTIONS TO DIGITAL PROBLEMS
 
The Internet and the entire IT development are both ultimately based on 1's and 0's. Everything we experience online has its roots in 1's and 0's. These two digits have had such an impact on society, that they can be grouped together with other major breakthroughs in the history of mankind. 1's and 0's have deeply influenced social, political, and economic life. Paradoxically, the world of 1's and 0's cannot be managed by binary logic and dichotomous approaches of either/or, good/bad, progressive/ regressive, open/closed, and us/them. The governance of the Internet requires an appreciation for different perspectives, various approaches, subtle differences, and managing paradoxes.

Highlight 2: YIN-YANG
 
Most Internet Governance problems can be demonstrated through the metaphor of Yin-Yang, as a permanent interplay of differences. Another particularly useful insight from history is Lao Tse's teaching of "actionless activity." Although it sounds paradoxical, it should be one of the key messages of Internet Governance, that we have to act (guide the Internet Governance process) without acting (without unnecessary interference, unnecessary advancement, etc.).


Highlight 3: TAOISM AND INTERNET GOVERNANCE

In western societies, the linear approach and analytical thinking predominate. However, trying to achieve cognitive consonance on every point could be counter-productive in managing the complex process of Internet Governance. Let me conclude with a few metaphors from Taoism that may help future Internet Governance discussions.

Cautious, Like Crossing a Frozen Stream in Winter: The fox crossing a frozen stream is a well-known metaphor from Taoism. The fox carefully tests the ice before taking each step. The ice, which may look solid, could break under the fox's weight at any time. The complexity of Internet Governance issues requires this cautious approach, so that our actions will not create unforeseen side effects. Good could easily transform into bad. The flexibility of the Internet, for example, can be exploited both by ordinary users and criminals. Who could have predicted a few years ago that spam would become such a major problem? All this requires a cautious and careful approach, as is beautifully conveyed through Lao Tse's metaphor of the fox crossing a frozen stream.

Genuine, Like a Piece of Uncarved Wood: As Lao Tse teaches us, we should not cling to firm, "carved" views. Firm and strongly carved views and positions are usually supplanted with the fast development of the Internet. Any carving should be carried out with utmost care. The Working Group on Internet Governance was careful in opening space for negotiations rather than providing fixed and rigid formulations.

Open and Broad, Like a Valley: Lao Tse uses the metaphor of the valley to describe a wise person who does not exclude other people's views. This metaphor highlights the need to include and accommodate. The valley conveys fast steams and waters from the mountains towards the sea. As Taoism enlightens us, it does not matter whether the water comes from gentle rain, violent thunderstorms, or melting snow. Like the valley, Internet Governance has to bring together all the differing views and players, harmonise these views, and safeguard the Internet as the remarkable tool of creativity and development that it is.

For more information about this event and other Diplo activities please contact us at: diplo@diplomacy.edu.

» Press Release in PDF Format

Cover of the Chinese Version
of the IG Booklet

Conference Venue

Jovan Kurbalija Addressing the Conference

Jovan Kurbalija Signing the Booklet