Diplo Blog
AI and Magical Realism: When technology blurs the line between wonder and reality
27 June 2025
The challenges of governing artificial intelligence often feel like something out of a Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez novel, where the extraordinary blends seamlessly with the everyday, and the line between the possible and the impossible grows faint. This week (22-27 June 2025) at the 20th Internet Governance Forum (IGF), I proposed using magical realism as a lens to understand […]
The art of bending without breaking: Vietnam’s quiet power playÂ
25 June 2025
The land of lotus flowers, where ancient wisdom echoes through the centuries, has become a key player in Southeast Asia. Once a divided and war-torn country, Vietnam is now a symbol of stability and growth in the regional arena.
AI in Sophie’s world: How a philosophy book can help us govern AI
21 June 2025
As we convene in Oslo for the Internet Governance Forum, we reflect on the philosophical insights from Jostein Gaarder's "Sophie’s World." The novel's exploration of identity and constructed reality parallels the challenges of AI governance today. Just as Sophie learns her existence is scripted, AI systems are shaped by data and algorithms, raising questions about consciousness and accountability. The complexities of AI, such as the 'black box' problem, highlight the need for transparency and understanding. Ultimately, governance should prioritize values and meaning, urging us to engage with fundamental questions about identity and existence in our digital age.
The reinvention of yoga: From ancient practice to global soft power
20 June 2025
India has championed International Yoga Day as a celebration of its ancient tradition. But is this a genuine cultural revival, a soft-power strategy, or a political rebranding? From Vivekananda to Modi, Aldo Matteucci unpacks the reinvention of yoga.
Gulf AI deals mark a new era for AI diplomacy
19 June 2025
Trump’s Middle East approach proves this concept has turned into real political action. By departing from restrictive export policies and instead building strategic AI partnerships, the US has transformed the Gulf into a third global AI hub alongside America and China. This development is poised to change the global tech scene. This is not just […]
The myth of the lone genius: How scientific revolutions really happen
17 June 2025
Scientific breakthroughs aren’t lightning strikes of genius. They grow out of collective effort, practical tools, and the long churn of disagreement. Aldo Matteucci writes.
Advancing Swiss AI Trinity: Zurich’s entrepreneurship, Geneva’s governance, and communal subsidiarity
15 June 2025
Switzerland can inspire global AI transformation by leveraging its unique strengths: Zurich’s entrepreneurial spirit, Geneva’s governance expertise, and a focus on communal subsidiarity. This "AI Trinity" aims to reshape the national social contract for the AI era, balancing technological advancement with Swiss values of inclusivity and responsibility. As global uncertainty grows, Switzerland can establish a distinctive AI development strategy, fostering local innovation through educational initiatives and community engagement. By harmonizing innovation, governance, and local empowerment, Switzerland can demonstrate a model for ethical AI that serves both its people and the world.
The Crimson vs White House: Harvard’s fight for academic sovereignty
12 June 2025
The public clashes between Harvard University and the Trump administration often appeared to centre on immigration, science policy, and perceived elitism. However, beneath the surface lay a more fundamental tension: a collision between an administration guided by an “America First” doctrine and the nation’s oldest and most prominent university functioning as a powerful non-state actor […]
The vulnerabilities of international law
11 June 2025
Citicorp Center nearly collapsed because no one questioned the building code. What does that say about international law? When rules replace reality, disaster isn’t far behind. Aldo Matteucci writes.
EU Digital Diplomacy: Geopolitical shift from focus on values to economic securityÂ
10 June 2025
The EU's International Digital Strategy 2025 shifts focus from a values-centric approach to prioritizing geopolitical and economic security. While it retains a commitment to human rights, the new strategy emphasizes resilience, competitive tech development, and secure infrastructure, particularly in defense-related technologies. Notably, the 'Brussels Effect' of spreading EU regulations globally is downplayed, signaling a focus on strategic partnerships and investments over unilateral rule-making. This realpolitik stance integrates digital and cyber policies and emphasizes multilateral engagement while raising questions about implementation and the balance between values and security in EU digital diplomacy.
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