DiploNews – Issue 422 – 2 July 2021

Upcoming study opportunities

◆ Applications open! Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy
   (€400 early bird discount)

Diplo is now accepting applications for the 2022 online Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy (Master/PGD) and the Master/PGD with a specialisation in internet governance, run in cooperation with the University of Malta Department of International Relations. The programme starts on 24 January 2022.

During 16 to 20 months of online study, the programmes guide working diplomats, international relations professionals, and internet policymakers through the theoretical and practical building blocks of diplomacy, with a focus on contemporary issues and challenges.

Scholarships covering 20%–50% of the Postgraduate Diploma fee are available for applicants from small and developing states.

Discount: Apply by 1 September 2021 and benefit from our €400 early bird discount!

For further information and to apply, please visit the Master in Contemporary Diplomacy web page.

◆ Applications open! Diploma in Humanitarian Diplomacy

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

Application deadline: 2 August 2021

Visit the Humanitarian Diplomacy web page to find out more and to apply.

◆ Applications open! Summer 2021 online courses

Register now to reserve your place in our popular summer courses:

• Bilateral Diplomacy
• Diplomatic Law: Privileges and Immunities
• Internet Technology and Policy
• Multilateral Diplomacy

Application deadline: 16 July 2021

For further information and to apply, click the course titles above or visit our 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 online courses in 2021. Browse our course catalogue and contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu for further information.

Sign up for our courses mailing list to stay informed about upcoming courses.

Upcoming events

◆ Emojis in public diplomacy: Best practices and lessons learned (WebDebate #49) (6 July)

Emojis have been described as the new ‘diplomatic sign language’, and lengthy debates have ensued on whether or not they have a place in diplomatic practice. Some argue that their potential for misinterpretation makes them bad for diplomacy. Others have embraced their communication and storytelling potential. Join us on Tuesday, 6th July, at 12:00 UTC (14:00 CEST) as we discuss emojis with our guest speakers. Register here!

Main takeaways from our recent events

◆ Internet governance in June 2021 (IG Briefing #76)

In this month’s Internet Governance Briefing, we provided a round-up of policy updates, and focused on the digital policy aspects of June’s high-level meetings, including the Biden–Putin summit in Geneva, the G7 Summit, the NATO Summit, and the EU–US Summit. Watch the recording!

◆ Discussion: Cyber detente after the Biden–Putin summit in Geneva

Can we effectively say that the Biden–Putin summit in Geneva marked the beginning of a cyber detente? Together with expert guest speakers, we discussed the issues at stake and the different approaches of the USA and Russia when it comes to cyber. Watch the recording!

◆ Renaissance diplomacy: Compromise as a solution to conflict (Masterclass #6)

The Renaissance was a time of change. In this period, the first full diplomatic system was developed, and the invention of the printing press had a considerable impact on society and diplomacy. To find out more, watch the recording.

◆ Geneva Data Tour (12 Tours to Navigate Digital Geneva)

Data makes the digital world go round, and Geneva provides world-renowned best practices. In the ‘Geneva Data Tour’ (part of the 12 Tours to Navigate Digital Geneva series), we discussed the work on data of a number of institutions in Geneva. Watch the recording!

◆ Book launch: Internet Governance at the Point of No Return

Prof. Rolf H. Weber joined us in our ConfTech Lab in Geneva to discuss his latest book Internet Governance at the Point of No Return, which provides an overview of the most relevant legal principles that play a substantive role in the internet governance context. Watch the recording and download the book!

Blogs and podcasts

◆ From first cyber diplomat to capacity-building champion (Diving into Digital #2)

For the second episode of Diving into Digital podcast, we were joined by Mr Chris Painter, often referred to as the first cyber diplomat. He is board president of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise Foundation (GFCE) and former coordinator for cyber issues at the US Department of State. In this episode, he reflects on the importance of a whole-of-government approach and working towards international norms; the role of cyber diplomats today; cyber capacity-building needs; and the urgent need to create an inclusive global conversation on norms in cyberspace. Listen to the podcast!

◆ Addressing discrimination in data-driven advertising: Regulatory opportunities and failures within the EU (Blog post)

Targeted ads can improve a consumer’s experience by giving them access to offers that interest them. However, as Ms Ana Maria Corrêa discusses, they can also pose a risk of discrimination. What regulatory opportunities and failures does the EU have in this regard? Read the blog post!

◆ Small enterprises, large role: Digital adoption critical to post-COVID-19 business revival (Blog post)

Albeit small in size, in India, micro, small & medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a critical role in the creation of jobs, especially for young and marginalised communities. Their survival and resilience depend on the adoption of digital technology by enterprises, and a workforce trained in new technology. Mr Samar Verma discusses. Read the blog post!

◆ Cybersecurity: A meeting place for diplomats and techies with David Koh (The Diplomat’s Sofa #2)

In the second episode of The Diplomat’s Sofa, we sat down with Mr David Koh, commissioner of cybersecurity and chief executive of the Cybersecurity Agency of Singapore (CSA). Koh spoke about cybersecurity and reflected on his experience in bridging the worlds of techies and diplomats. Watch/listen to the episode!

◆ What is the future of a cyber detente after Biden and Putin’s Geneva summit? (Blog post)

According to Dr Jovan Kurbalija, a cyber detente between Russia and the USA started in Geneva with the easing of tensions and the kick-off of bilateral cybersecurity consultations. In his blog post, he discusses in further detail on legal action against cybercriminals, bilateral cyber relations, and whether the spirit of Geneva’s cyber detente will spill into other forums. Read the blog post!

◆ What’s new with cybersecurity negotiations? The second cyber OEWG’s organisational session (Blog post)

In this blog, Ms Andrijana Gavrilovic analyses the second cyber Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) organisational session: initial hurdles, issues put forward, and the next steps. Read the blog post!

Diplo team at external events

◆ Session: International regulation on the net: A necessity, but what about possibilities? (9 July)

The internet is borderless, data flow is enormous, and the number of internet users is approaching five billion. However, data and cybersecurity laws and regulations vary across countries which makes global cooperation more complex. With that in mind, the international community now realises the necessity of unification — but is it possible? How can we protect users in the global digital space and take into account the interests of all parties: countries, businesses, and people? Dr Jovan Kurbalija (Executive Director, Diplo; Head, Geneva Internet Platform (GIP)) will moderate this session. More information here.

◆ WTO: Connectivity, Competition, Collaboration: The 3Cs of Digital Trade – What policies for post-COVID success?

The session ‘Connectivity, Competition, Collaboration: The 3Cs of Digital Trade – What policies for post-COVID success?’ discussed issues related to connectivity, competition, and collaboration in digital trade and the impact of COVID-19 on online services. Ms Marilia Maciel (Digital Policy Senior Researcher, Diplo) was one of the discussion panellists. Watch the recording!

◆ Future of Mediation and Peacemaking with Emerging Technologies

The field of mediation, where emotional intelligence, communication, and interpersonal skills had the highest value, is now exploring the potential benefits of emerging technologies. This event is part of the Data for Peace monthly conversations organised by the Center on International Cooperation (CIC) at New York University. Dr Katharina Höne (Director of Research, Diplo) was a guest speaker at the event. Watch the recording!