DiploNews – Issue 402 – 3 September 2020

Upcoming study opportunities

◆ Applications open! Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy

Diplo is now accepting applications for the 2021 online Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy and the Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy with a specialisation in Internet Governance, run in co-operation with the University of Malta Department of International Relations.

During 16 to 20 months of online study, the programmes guide working diplomats, international relations professionals, and Internet policymakers through the theoretical and practical building blocks of diplomacy, with a focus on contemporary issues and challenges.

In response to the current global pandemic, the introductory workshop – traditionally offered in Malta – will be run online in 2021, eliminating the need for travel and reducing expenses for participants.

Scholarships covering 20%–50% of the Postgraduate Diploma fee are available for applicants from small and developing states. The programme starts on 25 January 2021.

For further information and to apply, please visit the Master in Contemporary Diplomacy webpage.

◆ Applications open! 5 autumn courses on diplomacy and digital policy (start: 5 October)

DiploFoundation offers a wide range of exciting online courses this autumn, starting the week of 5 October.

• Cybersecurity
• Economic Diplomacy
• Language and Diplomacy
• Negotiation Skills
• Sustainable Development Diplomacy

Apply by 25 September 2020 for Diplo certificate courses. For further information or to apply, click on the titles of the courses above, or visit our courses webpage. Register now to reserve your place.

Sign up for our courses mailing list to stay informed about upcoming courses.

◆ Need financial assistance? Scholarships are available.

Thanks to the support from the government of Malta, partial scholarships are available for applicants from developing countries to attend upcoming Diplo online courses. These scholarships cover 30%–60% of course fees and can be applied to most online courses in 2020. Browse our course catalogue and contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu for further information.

​◆ Alumni discount

The autumn session is the last chance to take advantage of our increased alumni discount of 25%. This special discount for the remainder of 2020 is our support for continuous learning for alumni members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Blogs and publications

◆ Digital Watch Newsletter: Issue 52

The latest Digital Watch Newsletter provides an analysis of the salient trends in the last two months, including tech disputes between the USA and China, the invalidation of the EU-US Privacy Shield, antitrust issues, and digital finance. Get your free copy.

◆ Second RightOn cycle begins. What did we learn from the first?

As the world came to a standstill due to COVID-19, so did discussions on human rights. The RightOn discussions partially filled this void. As we prepare for the second cycle of the RightOn discussions, starting 9 September 2020 (more info in the coming days), the report of the first cycle brings together the discussion held so far. Read the report and stay informed about the upcoming discussions.

◆ Blog post: ‘Humanity and modernity: A balancing act’

Will advanced technology reduce the space for human agency and, ultimately, our right to make personal, political, and economic choices? Dr Jovan Kurbalija discusses. Read the blog post

◆ Blog post: ‘An overview of “People’s Money: Harnessing Digitalization to Finance a Sustainable Future”‘

In this blog post, Ms Natasa Perucica and Ms Katarina Andjelkovic give an overview of the launch of the Digital Finance Task Force’s (DFTF) report and its main takeaways. Read the blog post

◆ Blog post: ‘A journey in time: 20 years of Internet and diplomacy’

On the 20th anniversary of their publication Internet Guide for Diplomats, Amb. Stefano Baldi and Dr Jovan Kurbalija take a look back at the last two decades of digital diplomacy, and forward at what might be coming next. You can read the blog post here, and watch an interview with Stefano and Jovan and flip through the book here.

Recent events

◆ IG Briefing: Internet governance in July and August 2020

Among the main trends, the July and August Internet governance briefing focused on privacy issues (Schrems II decision), antitrust discussions (Facebook, Google, Apple, and Amazon’s appearance in front of the United States Congress), and the USA-China tech dispute. Watch the recording

◆ WebDebate: ‘The UN at 75: Evolution or revolution?’

As the UN celebrates its 75th anniversary, we asked whether we are seeing an evolution or a revolution in some of the key UN topics and how they are addressed. The arguments put forward by our diverse group of speakers, together with the input from the attendees, made for a very interesting encounter. Watch the recording

Diplo/GIP in the media

◆ Article: Does cyber warfare break international law?

Does it? And why are there two UN bodies simultaneously considering the conduct of war in cyberspace, and what rules could or should apply? This Geneva Solutions article poses some interesting questions and lists the Digital Watch Observatory’s webpage on the UN Group of Governmental Experts (UN GGE) and the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) as a valuable resource on this topic. Read the article

Diplo team at external events

◆ Panel discussion: Internet Governance in international Geneva (16 September)

Dr Jovan Kurbalija (Executive Director, DiploFoundation; Head, Geneva Internet Platform (GIP)) will participate in a panel discussion titled ‘Round table on Internet governance: What are the implications for Geneva?’, organised by the Fondation pour Genève and The Graduate Institute, Geneva. Find out more...