Diplo Blog
Part 7: ‘Converging realities: Embedding governance through digital twins’
The metaverse is no longer a question of ‘what if’ – it’s already being built. Digital twins, embedded governance, and the collapse of the digital–physical divide mark the next frontier.
Weapons of Emotional Destruction
01 May 2025
What if the internet’s true legacy isn’t connection, but emotional warfare? In 2015, Aldo Matteucci asked whether we’ve unleashed a fire that even Shiva could not contain.
Tech continuity in President Trump’s first 100 days
27 April 2025
During President Trump’s first 100 days, technology policy exhibited continuity rather than disruption, with a focus on AI and digital regulation characterized by incremental adjustments. Only 9 of 139 executive orders targeted technology specifically. Trump's administration prioritized business interests, reinforcing a pro-business legacy while facing increasing pressures for digital sovereignty from the EU and other nations. Key issues included content governance, cybersecurity, and digital economy tariffs. Additionally, deregulation efforts in the cryptocurrency space marked a shift, though navigating global tensions will be essential for maintaining U.S. tech policy amidst rising international challenges.
From geopolitics to classrooms: The hopeful side of the US-China AI race
27 April 2025
Online education, Artificial Intelligence, Education diplomacy
The competition between the US and China in AI education is emerging as a vital battleground amidst geopolitical tensions. Both nations are prioritizing AI education to prepare future generations for a transformative technological landscape. This shift highlights AI's role as a critical force shaping society and emphasizes the potential for enhanced educational methods through personalized learning. While concerns about isolationism exist, the collaborative nature of education may foster partnerships and shared resources, paving the way for global benefits. Ultimately, this rivalry in AI education could lead to promising developments in human capacities and societal growth.
What’s wrong with doping?
23 April 2025
Trainers, labs, surgeons, psychologists – all boost performance. But doping? That’s banned. Is the real scandal the drugs – or the unequal coronas of support? Aldo Matteucci examines.
Politeness in 2025: Why are we so kind to AI?
23 April 2025
A Fortune study shows that about 80% of users in the UK and USA use polite language, like "please" and "thank you," when interacting with AI. This behavior reflects deep-rooted psychological and cultural influences rather than the nature of AI, as humans often project social norms onto machines. Politeness varies among users, with motivations ranging from intrinsic values to fears of AI dominance. While these courteous interactions may incur costs, they also reinforce our humanity and empathy in an increasingly transactional world, prompting reflection on our relationship with technology.
Linguists in the AI era: From resistance to renaissance
18 April 2025
In the context of Geneva's multilingual landscape, the rise of AI has sparked both concern and opportunity within the linguistic community. While AI will automate many translation and interpretation tasks, linguists are essential for addressing the limitations of AI, particularly in navigating syntax and semantics. By training AI models on low-resource languages, annotating for deeper meaning, and ensuring responsible AI design, linguists can elevate language and preserve cultural nuances. Embracing collaboration with AI technology can lead to a renaissance in the linguistic profession, transforming challenges into opportunities for innovation.
Triumph of diplomacy: The Cuban missile crisis
17 April 2025
Backchannel diplomacy, Cold War diplomacy, Crisis management
The Cuban Missile Crisis pushed humanity to the edge of catastrophe—but it also revealed the quiet strength of diplomacy. In a tense standoff between superpowers, backchannel negotiations and mutual restraint averted disaster.
How concepts get their meaning
17 April 2025
How do words get their meaning? Aldo Matteucci shows how terms like 'dispositif' and 'consul' gain meaning not through definitions, but through repeated use in historical and political contexts.
On the origins of ideas
11 April 2025
Do ideas have origins? From medieval communes to WWI, Aldo Matteucci shows how political thought, like a river, is shaped by experience, institutions, and historical context — not just theory.
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