Diplo Blog
What can we learn from 160 years of tech diplomacy at ITU?
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.
When nature weeps: A wake-up call for the world
13 May 2025
Humanity has the tools to prevent environmental collapse – but not the collective will. Water scarcity, unchecked pollution, and political inaction are pushing us toward crisis, writes Milan Jazbec.
The evolving significance of soft power: A tribute to Joseph Nye
08 May 2025
Joseph Nye, who passed away on May 6, introduced the concept of soft power, emphasising influence through attraction rather than coercion. His legacy prompts reflection on the current state of soft power, especially as U.S. initiatives like USAID face reductions, indicating a shift away from efforts to build trust globally. With increasing restrictions on the internet and fragmented digital landscapes, the traditional avenues for soft power are challenged. However, its evolution towards localised and human-centric approaches offers fresh opportunities for connection, underscoring the necessity to uphold and adapt Nye's vision in a complex world.
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.
