When Marx met Confucius
AI & art, AI & linguistics, AI & philosophy, humAInism UpdatesA television series titled "When Marx Met Confucius" has been created by the propaganda department in Hunan province to promote Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, which aims to merge Marxism with Chinese tradition. The show downplays the differences between Marx and Confucius and highlights their similarities in seeking the greatest good for humanity. It also criticizes the West while praising China's responsible global role. The series represents a significant shift in the Communist Party's approach to tradition and ideology.
Three key issues at COP28
Climate diplomacy UpdatesThe choice of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the venue for COP28, the latest climate summit, has sparked controversy due to its status as a leading oil producer. Key topics for action at COP28 include addressing methane emissions, filling climate finance gaps, and the debate over fossil fuel use. The UAE is investing in decarbonisation and clean energy initiatives.
China’s progress in people-to-people diplomacy explored by MUNENE
Soft Power diplomacy UpdatesAn integral aspect of people-to-people diplomacy involves the establishment of Confucius Institutes in Kenya. These institutes, situated in four universities, play a vital role in advancing the Chinese language and fostering cultural exchanges
How is the United Arab Emirates thriving in a fragmented geopolitical landscape
Geopolitics UpdatesThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) is thriving in this multipolar age, leveraging its oil wealth to punch above its weight. Despite its small population and GDP, the UAE attracts talent and foreign investment with its open economy and stable business environment. It plays to its economic strengths through investments in ports, clean energy, and AI research. However, the UAE's involvement in supporting armed groups and failed war efforts has drawn criticism. Overall, the UAE's successes and failures hold lessons for other countries that aim to find its space in a geopolitically fragmented world.
Arab coordination group commits $50 billion to support African development
UpdatesThe Arab Coordination Group has pledged $50 billion to bolster development efforts in Africa.
A cosmonaut has arrived in Tanzania with the mission of introducing children to Russian robots
UpdatesOver 800 Tanzanian high school and college students delved into the realm of robotics at a forum sponsored by Russia this week.
China aims to challenge western dominance by positioning itself as leader for developing countries
Foreign policy, Globalisation, Multilateral diplomacy UpdatesChina is actively positioning itself as a leader for developing countries, aiming to challenge Western dominance in global governance. China has published a proposal calling for sweeping changes to international rules and institutions, advocating for developing countries to have a greater say at the United Nations. China presents its foreign policies, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, as a unified plan for addressing global issues. However, some countries may be hesitant to align too closely with China and prefer to diversify their interests.
China stresses the importance of true multilateralism and international governance system
Climate diplomacy, Multilateral diplomacy, Security UpdatesChina has called for true multilateralism and the strengthening of the international governance system in order to address global challenges. China supports the proposal on building a community with a shared future for mankind and emphasises the role of the United Nations (U.N.) in global governance. China promotes global security governance, supports political settlements of crises, and advocates for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. China also supports global development governance, including initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative. Additionally, China emphasizes the importance of human rights, cultural exchange, and the equitable use of new frontiers, such as cyberspace and outer space. China calls for the reform of the U.N. to increase the representation and voice of developing countries and stresses the need for international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Chiney Ogwumike, WNBA Player, Appointed to President Biden’s African Diplomacy Council
UpdatesWNBA player Chiney Ogwumike has been named to President Biden's council on African diplomacy, recognizing her involvement in diplomatic efforts concerning Africa.
Panda’s diplomacy in crisis as pandas return home
Animal diplomacy, Bilateral diplomacy, Panda diplomacy UpdatesChina is set to recall giant pandas from the United States, Britain, and Australia, signalling a possible change in China's "panda diplomacy" strategy. The move may be a response to tensions between China and the West.
African leaders at UNGA: adapting diplomacy for development in a changing landscape
UpdatesAfrican leaders discussed innovative forms of cooperation and diplomacy for development during their participation at the UNGA, adapting to evolving global dynamics.
Universities stop using AI detection tool such as Turnitin
Artificial Intelligence, Education diplomacy, Ethics, Pedagogy UpdatesVanderbilt University has decided to disable the AI detection tool provided by Turnitin due to concerns about its reliability and potential false positives. The tool was launched without providing detailed information on how it detects AI writing. Other companies offering AI detectors have either changed their business models or closed down. Instructors are advised to communicate with students about AI usage, establish guidelines, and consider revising assignments. They can look for inconsistencies in writing style and inaccuracies in sources to determine if a submitted text is AI-generated. AI tools are expected to become more prevalent, and resources are available to help instructors incorporate AI in teaching.
