Public diplomacy for South African diplomats
Events, TimelineSouth African diplomats participated in a workshop on Public Diplomacy in 2012, focusing on traditional and e-diplomacy topics. The workshop included senior staff, armed forces, and police, concluding with group exercises on developing a strategy for South Africa's upcoming chairing role in the African Union.
Diplomacy and Web 2.0
aldo 5-10.000, DeepDipThe text discusses the intersection of diplomacy and Web 2.0, highlighting the influence of social networks and emergent behavior. It emphasizes the shift towards bottom-up, decentralized communication, challenging traditional diplomatic practices. The text raises questions about the effectiveness and risks of leveraging Web 2.0 for diplomatic purposes, noting the potential loss of autonomy and the need to adapt to the dynamics of online conversations. Additionally, it explores the complexities of using social networks for nation branding and the impact of Web 2.0 on public perception and political movements.
Compromise and compromised
Uncategorized Evolution of diplomacyThe text reflects on the concept of compromise, tracing its etymology and significance throughout history, while also highlighting its current negative connotation. It emphasizes the importance of compromise in diplomacy and society, rooted in empathy, despite modern perceptions. The narrative also warns against compromising human dignity. The author advocates for a reevaluation of compromise's ethical significance and the preservation of empathy in a rapidly changing world. Compromise, often misunderstood, is portrayed as a crucial tool for conflict resolution and maintaining social fabric, while cautioning against unethical compromises like the Munich agreement with Hitler.
Are democracies drifting toward ‘psephocracy’?
aldo 10.000+, DeepDipThe text discusses the concept of "psephocracy," where democracies are heavily focused on electoral victories. It explores the shift towards "procedural" democracies, where individual rights are prioritized over the collective good. This shift has led to a decrease in the political process's influence, with institutions like the judiciary gaining importance. The text questions the role of democracy in protecting individual rights and suggests that politicians are primarily concerned with securing re-election. It also mentions the potential self-destruction of the political process if it becomes oppressive.
BAUDRILLARD? I’ll admit to anything, Katharina!
aldo 5.000-, DeepDip Analogies and metaphors BlogsThe text discusses the concept of mental maps, highlighting the distinction between maps of reality, like climate change, and cultural maps. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing conventions and their arbitrary nature, as well as the need for logic to resolve conflicts between different conventions. The author also mentions his upcoming commentary on a book about climate change, likening the field to a graveyard of errant metaphors. The message concludes with a quote about the tragedy of science.
Analogies and metaphors as mental maps
RevisitAnalogies and metaphors help us grasp complex ideas like climate change, but they can also distort truth if unchecked. How do we balance the ease of familiar metaphors with the need for accurate understanding?
Don’t blame man, blame the Polynesian rat
aldo 5-10.000, DeepDipAnalogies are powerful tools but can be misleading. The origin of Easter Island's moai statues is often misunderstood, blaming Polynesians for deforestation. In reality, the Polynesian rat played a crucial role by eating native plant seeds and hindering tree regeneration. Additionally, misconceptions about how the moai were moved were corrected when evidence showed they likely "walked" into place. Analogies can limit our understanding, emphasizing the importance of testing them against empirical evidence. In this case, rather than blaming humans, the Polynesian rat should take the responsibility for environmental degradation on Easter Island.
Better safe than sorry?
aldo 5.000-, DeepDipThe message questions the efficacy of the Precautionary Principle by using breast cancer screening as an example to illustrate potential harm from false positives. It highlights the dilemma of saving lives versus subjecting many to unnecessary treatments due to inaccuracies in screening. The text emphasizes the importance of considering costs and the varying nature of cancers in decision-making, cautioning against overreliance on precautionary actions. The mention of Vice-President Dick Cheney's stance on preventive action is used humorously to underline the consequences of acting solely on precaution.
The power of small things
aldo 5.000-, DeepDipA traveler in Kerala, India made a small suggestion to rearrange the buffet at a resort to promote local cuisine. By placing Kerala dishes first, an increase in demand and morale was noted among guests and staff. This simple adjustment had a significant positive impact, showcasing the power of small changes in influencing behavior and improving experiences.
Training Workshop in Internet Governance and Diplomacy
Alumni Training and workshops Internet governance and digital policy, Interdisciplinary approaches EventsDiploFoundation organized a training workshop on Internet Governance and Diplomacy in cooperation with Regional Cooperation Council and Central European Initiative. Aimed at officials and professionals from Central European countries, the workshop covered various aspects of Internet governance and policymaking at national, regional, and international levels. Twenty participants from seven countries joined the interactive sessions to enhance their understanding and develop diplomatic approaches. Participants were encouraged to join Diplo's community.
