Diplo Blog
What is it like to be a goshawk ?
29 May 2025
What is it like to be a goshawk? Helen Macdonald sought to find out – not through theory, but through experience. Her book, H is for Hawk, is not just about falconry – it’s about patience, attention, and connection. Aldo Matteucci writes.
Negotiating the climate: The politics of a changing planet
26 May 2025
As the planet warms, power dynamics shift, unlocking new frontiers, deepening old conflicts, and forcing global diplomacy to reckon with the existential stakes of climate change. From Arctic rivalries to water wars and climate-driven migration, the struggle for survival is rewriting the rules of international relations.
Empowering communities through bottom-up AI: The example of ThutoHealth
26 May 2025
In Botswana, a silent epidemic claims nearly half of all lives. Hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 46% of deaths nationwide — a staggering statistic that reflects a global crisis magnified in low-resource settings. While these conditions are preventable or manageable with early intervention, access to healthcare education and tools […]
Can the Vatican mediate peace in Ukraine?
22 May 2025
The Vatican's potential role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine highlights its historical significance in diplomacy. Amid today’s geopolitical complexities, Pope Leo XIV's initiative, alongside the Community of Sant’Egidio’s proven mediation successes, embodies the Vatican’s unique moral authority. This diplomacy prioritizes dialogue over condemnation, aiming to foster trust and mitigate conflict. As the Vatican seeks to create diplomatic space, it underscores the essential human dimension in an era dominated by digital discourse and disinformation, potentially setting a precedent for the involvement of traditional institutions in contemporary diplomacy.
Compromise is not a dirty word – It’s the glue holding humanity together
22 May 2025
While observing Lucid cars in Geneva, the slogan "Compromise Nothing" prompted a reflection on the meaning of compromise, often misunderstood as weakness. Compromise, derived from Latin, represents a "joint promise" essential for coexistence, fostering relationships and governance. Although it may seem like surrender, true compromise requires courage to acknowledge differing interests. Instead of viewing it negatively, we should embrace "Compromise Wisely," recognizing that balancing values is crucial for progress. Geneva exemplifies this spirit, reminding us that without compromise, we risk losing vital connections and opportunities for growth.
Between theory and practice: Rethinking diplomatic theory
19 May 2025
Diplomatic theory says: follow orders. Practice shows: shape reality. Between theory and practice lies the diplomat’s quiet craft. Aldo Matteucci asks if theory can catch up.
What can we learn from 160 years of tech diplomacy at ITU?
17 May 2025
Telecommunications infrastructure, AI diplomacy, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain diplomacy
On May 17, 1865, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was founded by 20 European states to streamline telegraph messaging across borders, highlighting the need for multilateral cooperation in communication. Over 160 years, ITU has maintained its mission to balance national sovereignty with shared connectivity amidst evolving technologies. Historical lessons illustrate that crises can prompt necessary changes, while advancements in tech continue to shape global power dynamics. As we celebrate ITU's legacy, we are reminded that collaboration, standards, and diplomacy remain vital in navigating the challenges of today's interconnected digital landscape.
Part 1: An introduction to digital twins
When Spain & Portugal went dark, it wasn't just lights that failed. It was a reminder: technology isn't just a tool – it's the system we live in.
The rise of the medical-industrial complex
14 May 2025
Why does healthcare cost so much, yet so often fail us at the end of life? Aldo Matteucci explores how modern systems came to prioritise prevention, control, and spending over actual care.
Geopolitics of the deep sea: The ocean’s hidden war
13 May 2025
Beneath the waves lies a geopolitical battleground over the future of critical minerals. As demand for rare metals surges, nations and corporations are racing to unlock the ocean’s mineral wealth, risking environmental collapse and triggering a new global power struggle in the process.
