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DiploNews – Issue 426 – 2 September 2021

Upcoming study opportunities

Applications open! Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy

Diplo is now accepting applications for the 2022 online Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy (Master/PGD) and the Master/PGD with a specialisation in internet governance, run in cooperation with the University of Malta Department of International Relations. The programme starts on 24 January 2022.

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.

Scholarships covering 20%–50% of the Postgraduate Diploma fee are available for applicants from small and developing states.

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

Applications open! Autumn 2021 online courses

Register now to reserve your place in our popular autumn courses:

👉🏼 Application deadlines for certificates issued by Diplo: 27 September 2021

For further information and to apply, click the course titles above or visit Diplo’s course catalogue.

Need financial assistance? Scholarships are available.

Thanks to 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 2021. Browse our course catalogue and contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu for further information.

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

Upcoming events

◆ Conference: ‘Digital (and) Diplomacy: What Are We Actually Talking About?’ (Tue, 7 Sept)

When we talk about digital (and) diplomacy, what are we actually talking about? For some, it’s about negotiating cybersecurity agreements, for others, it’s digital geopolitics, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), or the flow of data. Meanwhile, others put the use of social media by diplomats centre stage.

Join us for this unique international online conference on Tuesday, 7th September, at 12:00 UTC (14:00 CEST). View programme and register here!

◆ RegHorizon: 2nd AI Policy Conference (14–15 Sept)

The wide application of AI has enormous benefits, but it also presents unprecedented challenges in terms of privacy, cybersecurity, consumer rights, and ethics. Additionally, the lack of clear global rules and the slow pace of policy developments present a major challenge to businesses and civil society alike. Diplo is a partner in the RegHorizon 2nd AI Policy Conference. Read more and register here.

Main takeaways from our recent events

◆ The telegraph: How it changed diplomacy (A Historical Journey #7)

In this masterclass episode, we discussed two decisive developments: the invention of the telegraph and the Vienna Congress of 1814/15. Watch the recording!

◆ Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things Tour (12 Geneva Tours)

Geneva’s contribution to the fields of AI and IoT is noticeable. Together with our guest speakers from a number of stakeholders, we looked into the work being done and the important role that Geneva plays in the overall development of these technologies. Watch the recording!

◆ Briefing #77: Internet governance in July and August 2021

August has been a very active month for digital policy updates. In our August briefing, we analysed the highlights and took a look at what to expect in September. Check out the recording!

Blogs and publications

◆ [Podcast] The telegraph and diplomacy: An interview with Tom Standage

Deputy Editor of The Economist Tom Standage is the author of the book The Victorian Internet in which he analysed the impact the telegraph had on the geopolitics of the time. In this podcast, he discusses this topic with Diplo’s Jovan Kurbalija. Listen to the interview.

◆ [Blog] How Afghanistan changed 30 flags in 102 years

In recent weeks, the events in Afghanistan have been all over the news. In this blog post, Diplo’s Executive Director Dr Jovan Kurbalija takes a look at the numerous changes in Afghan flags in recent history. Read the blog post.

◆ [Blog] How can flags help us understand (and govern) AI?

Flags have patterns, and artificial intelligence (AI) learns through patterns. So how can flags help us understand and govern AI? Read Dr Jovan Kurbalija’s post.

◆ [Blog] Digital (and) diplomacy: Pandemic videoconferencing levels off at low altitude

In his latest blog post, Prof. G.R. Berridge discusses that ‘videoconferencing certainly took off following the outbreak of the pandemic, but the appearance it gave of some sort of diplomatic revolution was deceptive’. Read the blog post.

Diplo team at external events

◆ Conference session: Cybersecurity Capabilities Building for the Three Seas (Fri, 3 Sept)

Cybersecurity and digital resilience in Europe are dependent on the participation of its regions and cities, as well as on a true public–private collaboration. This is where the transition, based on security and values, should begin. The panel ‘Cybersecurity Capabilities Building for the Three Seas’ is part of CYBERSEC Regions&Cities 2021 conference. Diplo’s Dr Tereza Horejsova will moderate the discussion on Friday, 3rd September, 14:30–15:30. Visit the conference page.

Don’t miss…

◆ Diplo US is one of ARIN’s 2021 Community Grant Recipients 

We are proud to announce that Diplo US has been chosen as one of ARIN’s 2021 Community Grant Recipients. Diplo US will be working on raising awareness on digital standards for ARIN service region countries. Read the official announcement.

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