May vulnerability stop progress? --- It is hard to imagine that people will accept to have a pacemaker, an insulin pump, a brain neurostimulators etc. if those devices can be hacked...

Everyone will have to weigh the risks and benefits for him/herself. If any major incident happens though, it may impact on the readiness to use smart medical devices. Are medical implants designed with high standards of cyber protection or are they designed with an average security level ?

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

Roads were very unsafe... --- in the middle ages in Europe. It was common to be attacked by bandits so, rich people preferred to travel by sea when possible. Nowadays we can travel safely, but internet has become the new playground for criminals. It takes some time to realise the scale of a danger and to define and take appropriate measures. We are finally taking the measure of cyber crimes and realising that cyber crime can put a society in danger and/or destabilise its economy. Now: will it be one day safe to travel on internet??

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

definition of "SMART POWER" --- In international relations, the term smart power refers to the combination of hard power and soft power strategies. Employing only hard power or only soft power in a given situation will usually prove inadequate. Nye utilizes the example of terrorism, arguing that combatting terrorism demands smart power strategy.

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

two examples of loaded questions --- 1. Are you still supporting Trump in his foreign policy or that you have quit it? 2. I have heard about your affairs with with Sushmita Sein, are you still in affairs?

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

reframed answer --- Or maybe she could have re-framed her answer as below: “I don’t believe such a number of children died in Iraq. I am not in favor of a single child died during our struggle to prevent future disasters by Saddam. However, the total population in Iraq paid the price for what Saddam imposed on them.”

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

definition and explanation --- Hasty Generalization Hasty generalization is a type of logical fallacy. A fallacy is an argument that is based on mistaken reasoning. When one makes a hasty generalization, he applies a belief to a larger population than he should based on the information that he has.

For example, if my brother likes to eat a lot of pizza and French fries, and he is healthy, I can say that pizza and French fries are healthy and don't really make a person fat. However, I don't have a large enough sample population to make this claim. I have generalized based on one person.

Examples of Hasty Generalization: 1. Three out of four school teachers prefer Bright Marks Markers, but I only asked four teachers total. 2. You visit a new country and the first person you meet in the airport is rude. You send a message to a friend back home that everyone in this new country is rude. 3. Christine has a terrible experience with a boyfriend. She decides that all boys are mean. 4. Kevin's grandparents do not know how to use a computer. Kevin thinks that all older people must be computer illiterate. 5. My Nana likes to bake and drink hot tea. When I meet your Nana, I am surprised that she doesn't cook at all and drinks sodas. 6. A driver with a New York license plate cuts you off in traffic. You decide that all New York drivers are terrible drivers. 7. Alissa has class with a football player who is a class clown. He disrupts the class and is failing. Alissa decides all football players are not serious students. 8. On the first day of high school, Mark runs into a cheerleader who calls him a name and tells him to move out of her way. Mark decides all cheerleaders are snobs. 9. Mrs. Miller taught your older brother, who was the class clown. She decides to be strict with you from the very first day of class because she thinks you will be a clown, too. 10. Sarah has four male friends who do not like Hillary Clinton. She decides that all men must not like Hillary Clinton

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

definition of false analogy --- false analogy a type of informal fallacy or a persuasive technique in which the fact that two things are alike in one respect leads to the invalid conclusion that they must be alike in some other respect. For example, The brain is in some respects like a computer: Computers receive and store input in discrete bits: Therefore, ideas in the brain are formed from discrete bits of information.

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

let me help you this way --- in its definition, it says that "assuming that an event must have been the cause of a later event because of it happened earlier. A very clear example is as below: "The rooster crows always before the sun rises, therefore the crowing rooster causes the sun to rise" “I sneezed exactly at the same time the power went off. My sneeze must’ve done something to make the power go off. “ “I went camping last weekend but my trip was completely ruined by the rain. The rain must’ve been caused by me; it hasn’t been raining there for months before my arrival!” “The rooster crows always before the sun rises, therefore the crowing rooster causes the sun to rise.” “One month before I met my significant one I saw a shooting star, and I wished that I would find my soulmate. The legend is really true!” “The temperature has dropped this morning, and I also have a headache. Therefore, the cold weather must be causing my headache.” Real-Life Example Pele, the Brazilian football legend, once gave his match shirt to his fan, and soon after his playing performance started deteriorating.

He believed it was because he lost his beloved shirt, so he instructed his friend to find it. And, after the shirt was returned to him, his playing performance did indeed recover.

It would certainly seem that this specific shirt was really behind Pele’s bad form. However, what his friend didn’t tell him was that they couldn’t find the original shirt, so they returned with just another shirt.

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

some examples of slippery slope --- slippery slope argument, in logic, the fallacy of arguing that a certain course of action is undesirable or that a certain proposition is implausible because it leads to an undesirable or implausible conclusion via a series of tenuously connected premises, each of which is understood to lead, causally or logically, to the premise (or conclusion) that follows it. An example of a slippery slope argument is the following: legalizing prostitution is undesirable because it would cause more marriages to break up, which would in turn cause the breakdown of the family, which would finally result in the destruction of civilization.

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

examples of false dilemmas --- America: Love it or leave it. Death is nothing to fear. It is either annihilation or migration. Be my friend or be my enemy. Are you a Republican or a Democrat? If you're not going to heaven, you must be going to you-know-where. Good students will study and learn without the threat of an exam, and bad students won't study and learn even with the threat of an exam. So, exams serve no purpose Since there is nothing good on TV tonight, I will just have to get drunk. Obviously great mathematicians are born, and not made. John had all the best opportunities and is only mediocre at math. But Kara was good at math from the beginning. On the quad, I see the jocks in one corner, the rebels in another, and the intellectual set in yet another. Which one of these groups do you hang out with? You ask how I can know that you're struggling financially? It's simple: in a capitalist economy, you either win big or you lose big, and I know you're not one of the big winners.

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

definition and examples --- Ad Hominem Ad hominem is the term for an argument with emotional appeal, rather than logical appeal. Another use for the term ad hominem is for an emotional attack on a person or his/her character rather than refuting the points he/she made.

In either case, the important thing to remember is than an ad hominem argument is not based on logic. Both are based on emotions. One type of ad hominem argument appeals to the emotions of the listener. The other type of ad hominem argument emotionally attacks a person's character rather than logically arguing against his/her position.

Examples of Ad Hominem: General Examples of Ad Hominem Arguments

1. A politician arguing that his opponent cannot possibly be a good choice for women because he has a religious conviction that causes him to be pro-life.

2. A lawyer who argues that his client should not be held responsible for theft because he is poor.

3. A parent who says that the teacher doesn't know how to teach because she graduated from a community college.

4. A mother who tells the pediatrician that she doesn't trust his judgment because he's never been a mother.

5. A commercial that pictures a particular team's football coach driving a specific type of truck versus another type of truck.

Examples of Ad Hominem Arguments from Speech or Advertisement

1. "And I genuinely believe there are Republicans out there who would like to work with us but they're fearful of their base and they're concerned about what Rush Limbaugh might say about them... " President Obama

2. Congressman Darell Issa calls Whitehouse Spokesperson Jay Carney a "paid liar."

3. "There has been no vision or inspirational leadership emerging from the First person of the province, communities are losing hope and all the Premier does is wear a better outfit every day, and shining like a lamp pole." Provincial Secretary Tony Ehrenreich, South Africa

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

examples of appeal to emotions --- Examples of Appeal to Emotion: 1. Grocery store commercial that shows a happy family sitting around the table at Thanksgiving. 2. A real estate ad that shows a happy young family with children moving into the home of their dreams. 3. A politician who argues that the other party is going to cut spending and that will have a negative impact on grandmothers living on social security. 4. A political ad that shows the candidate shaking hands with the community as he leaves church on Sunday morning. 5. A baby products commercial that shows dad having a "night in" with his sons. 6. A principal who talks with his faculty about doing the right things to support students just before he asks for a volunteer to lead the after-school science club. 7. A Red Cross commercial that shows the aftermath of a hurricane just before asking viewers to donate money.

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

Benchmark --- Yes. Instead of copying and pasting, benchmarking to assess the best practices from other countries and trying to find points of similarities and aspects from which being inspired is much, much better. It is surprising to see there are still copy/paste in such specific and touchy issues in these days and age

Source author: Ndeye Gnagna Kone gnagna.pro@gmail.com

Very clever --- Very clever of Japan, to already focus on the "new normal" rather than wasting time and resources trying to restore/re-establish what used to be and which has clearly shown its limits.

Source author: Ndeye Gnagna Kone gnagna.pro@gmail.com

Not just countries --- In West Africa, the regional bodies also put a lot of pressure for the improvement of awareness at all levels. They sometimes even drive a lot of the efforts and incite some of the countries with specific frameworks and clear operational measures for the safety of the region as the whole when it comes to cybersecurity

Source author: Ndeye Gnagna Kone gnagna.pro@gmail.com

ADIE --- In Senegal, there is ADIE (State Computers system agencies) in addition to a national cybersecurity strategy SNC2022

Source author: Ndeye Gnagna Kone gnagna.pro@gmail.com

Soft policies vs Hard policies --- I agree, there are areas in which hard policies are definitely necessary given the impacts and cost of some attacks. However, the adoption of soft policies in some areas are more effective than implementing hard policies. It is just about finding the right balance I assume through trial and error as each country may be unique to some extent.

Source author: Devita Abraham abrahamd@foreign.gov.tt

CamCERT --- Mostly dealing with cyber incident, monitoring cyber attack to government online services, and awareness raising

Source author: Phannarith Ou phannarith-ou@mptc.gov.kh

Cybercrime --- Is cybercrime lay in Cybersecurity strategy? or it is a separate one without any connection?

Source author: Phannarith Ou phannarith-ou@mptc.gov.kh

Priority --- 1. Governance 2. Capacity Building 3. Inter-agency coordination 4. International Cooperation

Source author: Phannarith Ou phannarith-ou@mptc.gov.kh

It depends --- There was an example in 2020 when a foreign US IT guy working abroad in a developing country went to do a COVID-19 test in a local private elite hospital. Then, when he went home, he was wondering how secure is the hospital client data. He discovered that patient data was not that secure as he easily accessed his own and also other patients' data from his home PC. Then, he called the hospital It department to alarm them about their insecure IT practices and he offered free consulting advice. However, the hospital denied the security issue. The IT guy reported the incident and the hospital's insecure system in media. Afterwards, the hospital prosecuted the patient for hacking and unlawfully accessing their system :)

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

DNA --- If our DNA data becomes accessible in such way (as in this case) then....add to this the now actual deep-fake videos or deep-fake audios, AI, and machine learning...Can we be optimistic at all?

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

Effectiveness --- What is the effectiveness of these national regulations for data protection! Lets take this example. Let's say I'm a citizen of X country which happens to have really good laws for protecting my personal data. However, in the past 10 years (this is for real) I've been a victim of Giant data breaches in Yahoo, Linkedin, Facebook (for these I know) and probably to many more similar companies - where I have/had accounts. Our personal data is not a national thing/domain anymore....for more than 10 years all of our data is an international trading asset.

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

? --- I doubt this is the reality. This may be the law, but let's not forget what whistleblowers have revealed, and that UK has also had history in tapping directly into undersea fiber optic cables and all the data transfers in such cables. Someone had also shared a relevant web link for this in this Diplo course. I haven't heard that UK was held legally accountable for these practices (I'm referring to Snowden's revelations).

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

1984 --- I'd like to see more opinions on this! Storing our browsing history is alarming, don't you think? Can someone elaborate the difference of our personal thought-process and the browsing history (probably we browse things related to our thought-process, our unique interests, our political affiliation, our cultural interests, music, sport, tech, literature, entertainment, whatever). Many times, we scroll and open staff that is not our particular personal interest. I might open a news article related to terrorist acts in the Middle East or in France/Belgium in order to read what happened there and to be informed (but the LEA or security guys might think I am a radicalized individual)... Is this even constitutional? Storing our browsing history (although we all know that it is being done) is like storing our daily lives and outsourcing that data to another third party (that is not even part of our closer family). Then, who guarantees that the stored data is not also analyzed/processed for whatever (other than security) reasons? Not to mention the legal terms of apps such as Viber/What's up/Messenger apps that ask for and receive access to all of our contacts/photos/storage files in our mobile phones

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

given a vote of trust --- @Ginger, I agree with you, I would like to add a comment, if we take the good practice like the one's you mention "Trusting the companies we use", making sure they are real following the basics like using https, having contact information, even social media network and so on.

I do not untrusted internet but I am aware about how dangerous can be. Like the new technologies and world wide economics are moving forward we have to do it as well, that why confident-building measures are important between nation, companies and people.

Source author: Iván Arnulfo Fernández Hernández administracionini01@sre.gob.mx

Digital reality --- I doubt to what extent is privacy (as envisioned in Article 12 of the UDHR) possible in the digital reality we live in. I'd say, 21st century = no privacy! What we might have is the opportunity to buy new security tools/software/gadgets produced by the same tech-companies that rule the cyberworld (but if there is a need they can brake those protection tools or give backdoor access to governments and that would be clearly stated in their 1000 pages long legal terms you accepted). Now, someone would say, hey, there are laws and protection mechanisms in place and such conduct would be illegal. But then, another one would say, hey, come in whatever developing country, and see, how the law and all protecting mechanisms work in reality (implementation is a problem). Political elites, employees in the security/intelligence/telecommunication sectors in many states misuse the equipment daily (sometimes they end in jail sometimes not). Just lets read the news headlines for all wiretapping scandals in almost any developing country in the world..

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

Iot and national security --- With the IoT gadgets coming soon, where will be the limit of governmental/security interest? If they have a case (lets not forget that in some countries politically motivated case can be equal to a criminal case) then they can ask for access of data recorded by our IoT devices and the smart gadgets in all rooms in our smart homes....Thus, that's how the temperature in our room, the contents of our fridges, our heart-rate or cholesterol level or the video/audio recording from the inbuilt camera in our TV can become a matter of national security interest.

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

Data protection --- I have a theme for discussion. If Amazon or Ebay and similar e-commerce firms need our data in order to process a transaction which is a legitimate and necessary goal, what is the purpose to keep, analyze and re-sell that data!? Is that also necessary? Why these big-tech giants have not released until now an offer to delete/destroy client and transaction data immediately after the purchase was successfully realized or after the shipment was delivered. Do we as citizens seek & save data of who (name/surname/age/bank account) was working on the cashier in the supermarket at 08.00 in the morning and what is the age and date of birth of the guy who made the bread in the bakery in our neighborhood?

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

Security vs Privscy vs HR --- I have a question. The technology is so advanced today that on the market you can buy a sophisticated advanced cameras (usually big airports or train-stations or big cities install such) that can scan in real time up to 100-200 persons simultaneously, can measure their body temperature and (if you buy the face recognition bio-metric module) can detect which person is in question, thus making it possible to track that person. Technology is advanced to produce such cameras. Such cameras can be very good for security. But,they are not so good for privacy and human rights. Yet, more and more "safe city" projects appear as mushrooms across the world. Where is the balance here? Should such tech solutions be marketed/applied in daily lives? If you need to track a criminal among 1000 citizens such camera is useful, however in order to achieve the goal you will also have to scan 999 innocent citizens. Then, who saves this data about the 999 citizens who are not the target of the law enforcement? For what purposes? And what is the airport/city interest to save the data that particular citizens were present at 08.00 at the train station, at 09.00 at the airport or at 11.00 at the public square in the city center.

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

@Vladimir & all: the future of war? --- Unfortunately, economic factors help drive war, even encourage it -- as evidenced by the economic prosperity derived from WWII and the US willingness to enter the Vietnam War (not the only ones).

How far will we let our own interests drive us to questionable, possibly evil deeds?

How will this affect the development and use of lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS)?

If waging war becomes more efficient and less expensive, will the economic motive be removed? Will war then become less attractive as a way of settling disputes? Or will human life become even 'cheaper' as we disregard it as a cost of war?

We don't need to get into the deeper questions here, but we should keep in mind the consequences of distancing ourselves too far from the effects of AI and weapons to the point where the human rights/broadest issues of security/cybersecurity have nothing to do with humanity.

It's not science fiction any more.

Source author: Ginger (Virginia) Paque VirginiaP@diplomacy.edu

Their business, my choice? --- A restaurant or a business has a sign that says 'no shoes, no shirt, no service'.

A business says 'you must use a mask'.

A bar says 'you must show ID to enter'.

A stadium or concert venue says 'your backpack will be searched at the entry point'.

The online (and paper) Wall Street Journal requires a paid subscription.

My website doesn't charge a subscription fee, but I require cookies.

What do others think? I don't like Google's terms and conditions. I think they are abusive. I still use a lot of Google sites, because I choose to do so for whatever reason.

I don't use my Fitbit since FB acquired it, and I don't like their data gathering and sharing policies. I think THAT was unfair, because I owned my Fitbit before FB was allowed.

I don't use some kinds of devices (think plotter cutters/fitness equipment) because the business policy requires that the device be connected to the internet to be used.

Their business, my choice.

WDYT?

Source author: Ginger (Virginia) Paque VirginiaP@diplomacy.edu

Cyber risks --- 2nikolov. Bravo! You couldn't have said it better. It seems we are cooked as we enter the next few years of technological innovations!

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

Cyber risks --- Yes, I consider my/our human rights at risk. On a daily basis we share our personal and/or financial data with hundreds of firms operating in the cyberworld (google, facebook, social media, viber, whats'up, microsoft, amazon, e-bay and many ohters). Even our TV providers know and save everything we watch on our TVs, in what time of the day, and for how long, what type of music or movies we prefer and so on. We don't have almost any control what happens with our data from there. How do they collect, analyze, sell or share with third parties. Yes, we accept the terms and agreements by clicking yes before we open a profile and use their services, however, lets be honest, who can read 100 pages of legal text 10 times every day (to read and re-read facebook's or amazon's legal terms)!? Is this really possible? I'm afraid it is already too late to protect our HR in the cyberworld. Why? Because they already have our data, they will now employ and use AI, machine learning with all these data sets. The big tech have the cyber-power, to buy, create and use new cyber tools for their profit oriented goals before all (not to protect our HR as a priority). Moreover, there are 4-5 states that are ahead in the cybergame and other states can't even come closer, thus, can't protect themselves from the cyberpower of such powerful states (ex. USA, Israel, China, Russia). And this Diplo module mentions Quantum computing power, probable issues with today's encryption and so on...So, it is just matter of time when today's stolen encrypted data (even data belonging to a state's national security or intelligence sectors) will be decrypted tomorrow. To be honest, I am pessimistic, I don't think we will effectively protect our HR in the cyberworld. I imagine many things will become worse in few years time.

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

Natural selection --- @ginger@guillaume I totally agree that we the users create the industry behemoths by buying/selling their goods/services - Facebook has billions of customers, not because it stood there with a huge stick forcing persons to put their entire daily lives on the Net but we choose to do so; the same with WhatsApp; consequently, startups have a hard if not impossible challenge to compete or even attempt to break-even; I may use a telecom industry analogy where telecom regulations were put in place to facilitate easier entry by new entrants into the market by lowering entry barriers, monitor ant-trust or anti-competitive behavior by dominant players and seek to make it easier for startup to flourish also.

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

Right to access any website? --- @Phan@Ginger. Very interesting situation because of the public nature of the issue. If its a private home as Ginger indicated, I understand that I cannot enter a private property against the owner's rules, wishes etc. However for a public enterprise for which the proprietor has consented that the public (irrespective of their position) has been granted access to the facility because its a public place. Because I am not interested in helping you to advertise or get my buying pattern or wishes, should not prevent me from visiting your web site for other goods that I may require as a Joe Public. If I choose to participate in your cookies info, then fine otherwise I should be given the right to say no to the cookies on the basis that its a public place. Any views on this?

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

E-power --- @Nikolov. If we surmise that data is King then whoever has their hands on the data for manipulation can, in fact, be considered as "ruling the world".

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

cybersecurity --- @Nikolov. Well stated which is the point I attempted to drive across tough it may have been perceived different but succinctly.

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

risk of cryptocurrencies --- I agree Bennette. The volatility of cryptocurrencies is also an issue. With the Euro I think the situation is different because it is in fact a fiat currency supported by the European Central Bank and the economies of the Euro zone countries. But that is another story, I think.

Source author: Eduardo Ruiz Mazon eruizm@sre.gob.mx

cyber --- I agree. Probably it is the tech industry and development the one that opens an increased need for cybersecurity. However, in these states (Israel, Finland) I suppose the cybersecurity sectors there have grown to such extent that they became important part of their economy (or even maybe political/geo-strategic importance). Thus, the governments take care to boost even more such industries as highly profitable "niche" market segments.

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

Cybersecurity --- What drives the growth of military industry? Ginger mentioned do we need murderers to keep the doctors busy? Obviously we don't! However, we have ongoing wars for 100 years across the world. Even since WWII there hasn't been peace everywhere in the world (not even in Europe, - lets mention the wars in ex Yugoslavia or the NATO campaign over Serbia, or the problems in Ukraine-Russia). Why does the world increase production of nuclear weapons? While I can understand the necessity of some small-arms (as guns) in order to keep the public order and security of states, I can't understand the necessity for heavy military weaponry for purposes of economic development. If cybersecurity drives economic development the same is true for military industry - we can say that military industry drives economic development. I would conclude, any sort of militarization (even cyber armament) is not good for the global development but sadly it is our reality.

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

E power --- ...@Bennette, I will add to this...What is the real power of the centers that posses knowledge for the latest powerful cyber tools (lets take the NSO Group as an example). They have access to almost everywhere in the cyber world (individuals' accounts, private companies accounts' or even governments' data).

Are such groups becoming (or already are) the "masters of the Universe" :) (no matter how funny this sounds).

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

Dependency --- As I mentioned above in another HT....Is business increasingly dependent on the internet or is everything we know in this world increasingly dependent on the internet (smart cars, smart cities, smart homes, e-health, e-school, e-government, military cyberwarfare units, Covid QR codes, e-banking and so on....)? Where is the balance? Where is the risk management and/or diversification of risks? What if the e-world faces huge connectivity failure?

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

Online vs offline --- Exactly....we already integrate the different factors of our lives (especially post Covid), however I'm wondering if we are talking about integrating/converging the different factors or we do something else - we make all other factors of life too dependent on one, sole factor (the online factor). In such case, the stability of our lives is endangered as it is too much dependent on one factor. Example: If we live in China and we face online censorship about some taboo topic, and on the other hand - nowadays when we have mandatory lock-downs in our homes, how can we express our voices !? We can't go out in the real world to raise our banners or shout loudly, and the government has blocked our access to the social media (lets imagine this scenario).

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

VR --- With tools like smart glasses and other IoTs/wearables we will live in a sort of virtual reality domain. When real life becomes so much dependent on tech, I would not like to imagine the consequences of a major connectivity failure (lets say huge solar storm and outages in power and communications). The damages to the economy, supply chains or security in general will be great.

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

Cybersecurity as a necessary evil --- @Florence@Ginger I totally agree that a digitalized economy without cyber attacks would certainly drive innovations and develop economies but the reality we face is that this idealist society does not exist and hence while I am definitely not advocating for cybercrime activities as a basis for facilitating Cybersecurity businesses, this is what we are seeing in real time. Unfortunately the coin has two sides and it’s up to the good guys like us to ensure that the positive benefits of the internet and Cybersecurity services significantly overweighs the negative aspects of the industry.

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

Cybersecurity as a "necessary evil" --- @Bennette: You take the reasoning to the extreme!! I would say that the damages of cyber attacks exceed the expenses for cybersecurity. Security is a "necessary evil (cost)", but every coin has two sides... and cyberattacks create business opportunities for cybersecurity experts. <br /> However, a digitalised economy without cyber attacks would contribute much more to the general welfare, and to the development of the economies! Would you agree with that?

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

Natural selection --- This is very often true, Guillaume. So do we as consumers bear responsibility for the success of behemoths like Amazon.com, and for the failure of small, high-quality, local businesses that 'we don't trust'? Is this good or bad? What can we do about it?

Source author: Ginger (Virginia) Paque VirginiaP@diplomacy.edu

Security in support of human rights --- Well-stated, Guillaume, thanks. I agree completely. Well-constituted security should enhance our human rights. It may however, require cooperation, adaptation, and following rules we don't prefer, but which are necessary for our common security.

Source author: Ginger (Virginia) Paque VirginiaP@diplomacy.edu

Right to access any website? @Phannarith --- I thing users should express their opinions and positions, and have the right to refuse to use a website that has restrictions or requirements they do not like.

If I require that visitors to my home take off their shoes before they come in, and they refuse, do they have a 'right' to come in my house anyway? I don't think so! If they don't like my rules, they can stay out.

In the same way, if a website has requirements or restrictions I don't like (cookies, or data collection, for example) I can refuse to visit that website. But I do not think I have a right to visit that website if I don't accept their conditions.

Phannarith, could you please explain more about your point? Do others agree with Phannarith, that we/users have a right to enter the website even if we refuse to accept the owner's conditions?

Source author: Ginger (Virginia) Paque VirginiaP@diplomacy.edu

"social contract" in constant evolution --- I would only partly agree with this statement.

In democracies, the dialogue must be broader and include not only security and human rights communities but all of civil society. Moral values and ethics are constantly evolving and reflect the changes in a society. The balance between security and freedom of expression is a "social contract" that must be agreed upon by the majority of citizens of a country or group of countries.

In autocracies, the State fixes the terms of the "social contract" and tries to have it accepted by the population by any necessary means.

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

Cookies --- Yes, I think the customer has the right to say yes/no and it is legal right in case the private entity get the explicit consent from the data subject. Even the users say no to the cookies collection, users still have the right to access the website.

Source author: Phannarith Ou phannarith-ou@mptc.gov.kh

Personal Data --- Actually, I don't see there is any issue if the crime committed in local jurisdiction that the state can exercise its enforcement power to get the evidence from the private entity. However, nowadays, where most of the private entity operations are in the cloud, it is a challenge for law enforcement to get those information (evident, data, ...) in addition to personal data which resides outside their jurisdiction.

Source author: Phannarith Ou phannarith-ou@mptc.gov.kh

Disadvantages --- - Easy to loss confident if there is an issue in digital connectivity (e.g. Internet cut off or slow down)

Source author: Phannarith Ou phannarith-ou@mptc.gov.kh

Criteria --- If those are the criteria, Can I say Cambodia consider the safe one? The more we are connected, the more we are vulnerable to attack and number of incidents are far worse than the country with less online activities.

Source author: Phannarith Ou phannarith-ou@mptc.gov.kh

Human Rights --- As we discuss the related to digital matter, why not we call it Digital Rights instead of Human Rights?

Source author: Phannarith Ou phannarith-ou@mptc.gov.kh

personal data used by governments --- When personal or private data is to be used by governments under the justification of a threat to national security, this should be left to an independent legal regime to decide not the executive branch (assuming of course that the judiciary is not a pun of the executive branch)

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

False dichotomy --- This might sound also as a false dichotomy, because we also might feel that security and human rights are interdependent. There are different aspects to security: one of these aspect can go against human rights, when, for example, it entails surveillance by governments. Another aspect is that security can also mean ensuring that our communications are free from interference of third parties and, therefore, protect privacy and strengthen human rights.

Source author: Guillaume Michel Blin gmichel@sre.gob.mx

balancing human rights and security --- As in any other aspect of human existence where the common good takes precedence over selfish motives/intent, there must be compromises for the betterment of society and the common good. However, there should be globally accepted Red Lines which should not be breached and if so, whether security or human rights (depending on the circumstance) should be impinged upon for the common welfare. For example, CSAM should be a red line and if violated - it does not matter if one's 'private/personal data' is needed to solve the crime, then the data should be used. similarly, should there be a human right issue nad some security aspect is required, that too should be allowed; these should be handled on a case by case basis with the overriding principle being the common good of society.

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

Natural selection --- It seems that the advancement of technologies and the need to build trust for clients will leave out of the game many start ups or small companies that lack the capacity to develop the tools that are needed to build trust. Consumers might prefer to avoid risks and give preference to big companies with which they feel more secure.

Source author: Guillaume Michel Blin gmichel@sre.gob.mx

other human rights than privacy --- I see the point of privacy in relation to business and HR, but I also understand the risks for human rights in relation to business online include many other aspects, such as discriminatory practices, hate speech, and other abuses.

Source author: Guillaume Michel Blin gmichel@sre.gob.mx

Volatility --- In addition it makes the economy completely volatile, as the value can change from one day to another.

Source author: Guillaume Michel Blin gmichel@sre.gob.mx

failed hopes and expectations --- Undoubtedly the Internet has brought great many benefits to mankind but so too has it encouraged the proliferation of criminals who see yet another avenue to ply their trade in deceit, fraud and other sophisticated criminality. Unfortunately the internet brings profits to all types of "experts" including highly educated programmers who use their advance computer knowledge to detrimental use in the name of wealth and profits. This type of philosophy drives innovative technologies for criminal behavior despite the many efforts to combat such activities by law enforcement and governmental authorities. It would seem therefore that this is the new normal and that we will have to learn to navigate the digital world knowing that there will always be criminals lurking around. Unfortunately this might indeed be another great technological innovation damaged by criminal intent unless man works for the common good.

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

disclosing personal data --- A number of corporate businesses use cookies to develop customer profiles and informs site visitors that any subscribing may result to their voluntary agreement to allow the company to use their personal information for marketing purposes. Is this legally right? While the customer has the choice to say yes/no, is that practice lawful in the context of data privacy?

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

UN Pillars --- It's interesting to note that the United Nations have three pillars, which are security, development and human rights. These three pillars are complimentary and interdependent, at least if we want to achieve peaceful, just, and sustainable societies.

Source author: Guillaume Michel Blin gmichel@sre.gob.mx

corporate handling of personal data --- There should be established policies and regulations governing the use of personal vs public data i.e. what data can be categorized for public consumption vs privacy data. If a crime is committed and information on the perpetrator is best obtained from a corporate database, should that entity be liable to provide the data to law enforcement authorities or should it be seen a protection of personal data?

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

The challenge of quantum computing --- It is expected that in 5 to 10 years from now, quantum computing will pose a huge challenge to cybersecurity as it will make it possible to easily break encryption codes... This could indeed cause a major setback in the confidence placed in internet.

Cybersecurity experts are quite worried. I haven't read anything about how we could handle this major disruption. It is probably "too early", but such a challenge should be addressed early enough... I would be grateful for any info and thought about this.

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

e-commerce and political interest --- Commenting on the Diplo piece that the ongoing Doha Round of WTO trade discussions has revived political interest in e-commerce seems to suggest that e-commerce was perceived as a private sector machinery abstract from politics. If this was the perception, it would suggest that the political directorate has been short-sighted not to have seen the linkage between trade and the use of the internet and technology for goods and services; this raises an interesting scenario: should government develop legislation and polices to govern e-trade and e-commerce and even regulating the internet ?

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

challenges to national cybersecurity polices --- Some of the key challenges in a national cybersecurity policy include but not limited to: 1. Stakeholders' buy-in 2. Political will 3. adequate funding for implementation 4. Timely legislative framework 5. Emerging technologies which may change policy implementation in a timely manner 6. Skills adoption 7. Governance and definition of roles

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

one world, one umbrella @Bennette --- Online security + offline security = security.

Online law + offline law = law

Online health + offline health = health

I think it's time we realise that we live in one world, one life, with different facets... our school life is a bit different from our professional life, and that's different from our familiy life. We should act and react appropriately, whereever we are (hopefully).

Is it time we start to integrate the different factors of our lives? Are we risking mass schizophrenia if we don't?

Source author: Ginger (Virginia) Paque VirginiaP@diplomacy.edu

Crypto currency is based on trust --- The value of a currency reflects the economic strength of a country and the trust placed in this country by investors. I fail to understand how a crypto currency issued by an economically stressed country could prove interesting for users. Crypto currencies are highly volatile and speculative, they can only function based on trust.

If they enjoy "too much" trust from the users, crypto currencies could potentially disrupt national economies. This is what many governments were fearing with FaceBook intending to launch a crypto currency: Libra.

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

@Bennette -- tongue in cheek, I assume --- If we need cybercriminals to keep the economy moving, then do we need murderers and attackers to keep our hospitals and medical doctors in business? More offline criminals tokeep our police teams indispensable... What did I miss here?

Source author: Ginger (Virginia) Paque VirginiaP@diplomacy.edu

Can we learn? @Eduardo --- Is the fault with the technologies, or in ourselves? Or are our perceptions and expectations the weaknesses that fail us, as we seek to avoid responsiility for our own foibles? Where does the responsibility lie? Who is responsible for finding and implementing a solution?

Source author: Ginger (Virginia) Paque VirginiaP@diplomacy.edu

What's more threatening? Physical or online attacks? --- I get your point, Florence, particularly when we are discussing large-scale attacks. But there are other factors. If I am being bullied, or attacked, I can be physically threatened by someone bigger, stronger, or more agressive than myself, I might end up beaten and bloody, especially if I cannot run very fast. While the power of an online attack can be extremely malicious, anonymous, and have multiple points of attack, in the end,we can simply stay offline. I don't mean to underestimate their power, but there is an unavoidable presence in a physical/offline attack that has more immediate danger, which we should not underestimate. Recent school (and other) shootings show this very clearly. Do these attacks have any commonalities that could help us fight them? Is one situation/attack easier to remedy than the other?

Source author: Ginger (Virginia) Paque VirginiaP@diplomacy.edu

@Ivan: But can we trust it? --- Ivan said: ' It is clear to me that internet is a huge platform to make business therefore we need to trust it.' ... Perhaps, we need to be able to trust it. Can we trust it? I don't think it's about trusting the internet per se, but about trusting the companies we use. I check reviews and ratings, I use companies I know. The internet is a channel I use. So is the mail service. I trust both, although sometimes the internet is attacked, or my connection fails. Sometimes my snail mail takes forever to arrive, sometimes it just gets lost. But I trust both channels.

I do not trust all mail order companies, nor do I trust all internet companies. I cannot say I don't trust Facebook: I pretty much know the evil it brings, and I either accept it or I don't. I cannot say I do not trust Google -- actually, I trust it to sell my data, misuse my data, and collect and process my data to discern my patterns. It's what they do.

What exactly do we want to trust? What's missing? Who do we want to trust, and with what?

Source author: Ginger (Virginia) Paque VirginiaP@diplomacy.edu

@Eduardo: Unreadable &unread ToS --- Definitely, Eduardo. We complain that people/we don't carefully read conditions and terms of service. But if they are incomprehensibile, who can blame the user? ToR/ToS, privacy policies and other terms must be readable and transparent, or they are essentially not present. Do any of your countries have a legal requirement for transparent and comprehensible ToS? Do you think they should?

Source author: Ginger (Virginia) Paque VirginiaP@diplomacy.edu

Information for rankings @Eduardo & Bennette --- I understand and agree with Eduardo and Bennette. However, there is a very serious challenge here: If reliable data is not available, a country cannot be included. The absence of these countries weakens the analysis. However, unreliable data would likely distort the results even more.

Source author: Ginger (Virginia) Paque VirginiaP@diplomacy.edu

Cybersecurity needs online and offline response --- The same offence (ex: bullying, attack of a CI) tend to be more "efficient" and damaging when committed online rather than offline. Prosecution and accountability in turn are more difficult to ensure, as we well discussed.<br /> To address cybersecurity it is necessary to broaden our approach to security and increase our cyber expertise. It needs a response both in the cyberspace and in the real world.

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

Advantages vs Disadvantages --- Advantages: 1. Digital transformation of s country's economy 2. Adoption/inclusion of digital technologies and skills 3. Human & institutional Capacity building in digital technology 4. Enhance digital competitiveness and organizational efficiencies 5. R&D

Disadvantages 1. Greater vulnerability to be exploited by cybercriminals 2. Lack of trust in digital currency may lead to failed economic state 3. Lack of global recognition may cause economic meltdown

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

will blockchain eliminate banks --- Assuming that blockchain technology takes the world by storm with its security potential in the financial market system, will there be need for banks as intermediaries? further, if banks are all part of the weak link due to their vulnerability by hackers, shouldn't banks be indeed eliminated from the supply chain to ensure greater security and trust?

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

high mark to gain trust --- With the long list required to attain trust and confidence in e-commerce and the need to ensure that 100% of each component must be satisfied in order for the consumer/customer to have that level of security like the offline world, it seems we are a very long way off to securing such online trust; as legal mechanisms are tightened, new and emerging technologies create more vulnerabilities for exploit of the system which creates a cycle of legal standards keeping abreast with technology - not realistic.

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

missing/unreported cybersecurity stats --- @Eduardo. Good point. some countries do not measure cybersecurity-related stats but yet form an integral part of the global cybersecurity landscape. This lack of data has the possibility of skewing the data.

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

Bitcoin for national currency --- 2Scott. After reading the article on bitcoin with respect to the El Salvadorian plan, I am very worried about the issues highlighted. This sounds like a game of Russian roulette with a country's economy and people. s mentioned by other writers, bitcoin is still very volatile for a country to use it as a pillar of its economic development at this time. Cybercrime activities will abound and create even more uncertainty with fraud and other unsavory practices to persons who doe not understand the currency market,

Source author: Bennette Thomas thomasb@dominica.gov.dm

Economy --- As I read in "The triangle", economy is important and internet is a perfect platform to do it but also comes along with threats. It is clear to me that internet is a huge platform to make business therefore we need to trust it. In the last meeting we talked about companies must to invest in Cybersecurity, all this economy has to be toward the trust and data security.

Source author: Iván Arnulfo Fernández Hernández administracionini01@sre.gob.mx

provisional solutions --- So, the FBI did what it wanted and Apple did what it wanted, but the substance of the problem was not solved or maybe it was even aggravated, because the third party was tolerated by both and helpful for doing the dirty job.

Source author: Eduardo Ruiz Mazon eruizm@sre.gob.mx

just one more technology --- Probably that will be the case as it happened with other technologies, like electricity, cars or television. They are part of everyone´s life and nobody can renounce to them, but they are not thought anymore as the bringers of universal happiness or wellbeing, as some believed in their early ages. Actually, their disadvantages are now part of their social perception.

Source author: Eduardo Ruiz Mazon eruizm@sre.gob.mx

Risks of cryptocurrencies --- Not being an expert in cryptocurrencies, I would say that the main risk is that they are not fiat currencies in the financial and economic strict sense. Their value comes from their scarcity and supply/demand relation, but not because they are backed by public institutions like central banks, which in turn are backed by the macroeconomic data of countries and the international trust of the financial markets. In principle, crypto currencies could be used as paper money by governments or as a kind of gold standard in the old good times before Keynes, but experiments like those in Venezuela are lacking on trust, not only because there is not trust in how the technologies like blockchaining are used, but more generally because there is no faith in the political and economic system, viewed from the international financial markets´perspective.

Source author: Eduardo Ruiz Mazon eruizm@sre.gob.mx

Terms of use --- This trust could be enhanced if the providers of services and goods in internet explain clearly and easily their conditions of use and management of their data to the consumers and users. In countries of the EU there are more regulations to facilitate this, but in other regions that is not the case.

Source author: Eduardo Ruiz Mazon eruizm@sre.gob.mx

dependency of the economy --- I think the broader context of the relation between cybersecurity and economy should also include the repercussions of the polarization risks of economic gains through the increasing dependency of companies and persons from internet usage. For example, many small companies are limited to develop and thrive in the cyberspace, if they don’t use the technologies and services from Big Tech companies which profit disproportionally from such dependency in the “food chain” or ecosystem. This is becoming an increasingly evident “automatism” of the system, and not only in the online world or in countries where internet development is less advanced.

Source author: Eduardo Ruiz Mazon eruizm@sre.gob.mx

What is not reported, does not exist? --- It is clear in this ranking that countries where the internet usage is more monitored are more likely to appear in good or bad shape. However it is difficult to get the whole picture of the world, because in many countries smartphones or pcs usage is not monitored even when there is activity. It is a little bit like with COVID-19 contagions in different countries. The ranking is made only in 75 countries because they provide the data, or because they are monitored directly by the institution which presents the ranking?

Source author: Eduardo Ruiz Mazon eruizm@sre.gob.mx

Cooperation --- The only thing is cooperation. We need to cooperate together whenever in data or information sharing or technical development.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

It already began, earlier than AI --- Especially in earlier years, many factories move to China or other cheaper labor force countries, or some traditional industrials, for example, textile. Many human works had been instead of by human operate machine or automation machine.<br /> The structural unemployment just in front of everyone.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

Remember phone numbers --- Personally, I can at least remember my own phone numbers, but I have difficulties ton remember other people's phone numbers. I find that I can no longer make an effort to remember them because of the easiness offered today by technologies.

Source author: Désiré NEBOUA dneboua@yahoo.fr

Is taking out emotions desirable? --- Values such as justice, inclusion, and equity are all emotion-laden, so are actions advocating for those values and outcomes. Are we deferring to machines and math for pragmatic but emotionally-sterile pragmatic decision-making?

All the discussions thus far have been primarily anthropocentric. What happens when non-human artificially sentient forms using these techniques to make decisions in their favour at the cost of humans?

Source author: Vid Nukala Vid.Nukala@gmail.com

SciDip to STI-Pol-Dip --- @Marga, agree with double convergence, and extend it to include innovation to what I've been referring it to STI-diplomacy throughout this course. Also, from this class, it seems that policy is the go-between, the boundary-spanner, between STI and diplomacy i.e. one needs to have clear policy objectives and analyses before moving into the diplomatic arena, hence STI-Pol-Dip!

Source author: Vid Nukala Vid.Nukala@gmail.com

'Central' is perhaps a self-perpetuating fallacy... --- and indicates our own bias.

Some of the most vexing challenges under SDGs do not need STI solutions, but simply adequate funding, capacity building, or political will. STI could aid with evidence, speed or to democratise, but need not be central.

Pandemic has proven that the issues of vaccine hesitancy and vaccine equity are human, even though STI has provided tools to overcome it.

Source author: Vid Nukala Vid.Nukala@gmail.com

Non-invasive BCIs a significant threat --- Neuro-rights should be specifically added to the UDHR as emerging technologies (invasive and non invasive) target the human brain and encompass a whole new set of threats to humanity. Specifically, non-invasive BCIs (used for the same purposes as invasive BCIs) are often categorised as consumer items, which makes the risks they pose even more "accessible". In line with neuro-rights, these technologies (based on AI) should be either banned (risk of manipulation and unethical behaviour) or restricted through adequate regulation, including privacy, confidentiality and cybersecurity safeguards.

Source author: Mouloud Khelif mouloud.khelif@gmail.com

Eugenics ? Inequalities ? --- Is the purpose of human augmentation to alleviate disease and suffering? or to create “super-humans” ?With the right enhancement (gene editing, chips in the brain, synthetic blood, some of us would increase our cognitive and physical abilities. What about everyone else? Are we going to create two classes of humans? the augmented and non-augmented?

Source author: Mouloud Khelif mouloud.khelif@gmail.com

Codes of politeness --- Silence is often used with older people, when they say or do things that make no sense, out of respect and so as not to make them feel bad.

Source author: Blanca Jimenez bjimenez@sre.gob.mx

Gap between words --- Water security, food security

Source author: Blanca Jimenez bjimenez@sre.gob.mx

Thank you so much! --- The course was absolutely interesting and I don't doubt in the least we will use (on a common/daily basis) all the tools you've provided us with!

I found fascinating that most topics touched very intuitive aspects of communication. Decoding them (and even labelling them) helps to use them consciously and meaningfully, not only at work, but in daily life!

Congratulations for making these weeks so enjoyable!

Source author: Liliana Oliva Bernal loliva@sre.gob.mx

A couple of... --- ...Juxtapositions in "Just in time" by the great Nina Simone: (...) Now you're here, now I know just where I'm going No more doubt or fear, I've found my way (...)

Source author: Liliana Oliva Bernal loliva@sre.gob.mx

But rather as a sophisticated form of... --- ...communication or using language.

Think of children or of adults with different cognitive characteristics (people with autism for instance): they are not very likely to perceive or understand the unsaid, they rather understand what is said, as it is said.

Source author: Liliana Oliva Bernal loliva@sre.gob.mx

Many examples of pills... --- ...whose purpose we infer from common knowledge: truth pill, love pill, morning-after pill, etcetera.

Source author: Liliana Oliva Bernal loliva@sre.gob.mx

Between... --- The gap lies between what it is said of Saddam and what needs to be done regarding any threat to the US.

He doesn't expressly links him to 9/11, but the unsaid links Saddam's record to the attack and what needs to be done thereof.

Source author: Liliana Oliva Bernal loliva@sre.gob.mx

Translated from Spanish --- To a good connoiseur, few words (A buen entendedor, pocas palabras). A street lamp, darkness at his/her home. (Candil de la calle, oscuridad de su casa).

They look odd in English, hope they'll make sense to you!

Source author: Liliana Oliva Bernal loliva@sre.gob.mx

Not necessarily... --- For instance, in terms of face: Face is other-centered, and it has a very relevant role in politeness and the unsaid.

I think we can validly argue that implicit communication can serve the interest of both parties, the sender and the receiver. By saving other's face (which is in his/her interest), we are advancing our interest (convening a message/persuading someone).

Source author: Liliana Oliva Bernal loliva@sre.gob.mx

gaps --- can we say that gaps are what we call " in between the lines?". That is reading in between a sentence or statement.

Source author: Akua Sekyiwa Ahenkora sekyiwaa@yahoo.co.uk

Burden of proof --- This is also true in litigation in general: he/she who affirms something, has to prove it. It is impossible to prove a "non fact".

Likewise, if you don't say something, there is no way to prove you intended/meant X or Y.

Source author: Liliana Oliva Bernal loliva@sre.gob.mx

This is also true... --- ... In terms of cross-cultural communication.

Your example showed how a generational gap played in terms of proneness to implicit communication. But cross societies and countries, you can also find yourself in contexts where you are expected to be very straight forward, and others where you're expected to rely on the unsaid.

As in all the topics we've explored along the course, cultural sensitivity/context are paramount.

Source author: Liliana Oliva Bernal loliva@sre.gob.mx

Artificial Intelligence --- I don't know where artificial intelligence is now in terms of communication (how much can A.I. communicate/understand), but my guess would be that implicit communication is almost impossible to programme.

How could one programme the unsaid? This made me think of the A.I. characters in the movie "Insterstellar": they could react to info, not to the absence of.

I am absolutey ignorant of what technology has achieved in this respect, but for it being so human, it seems to me almost impossible to be translated into a programme.

Source author: Liliana Oliva Bernal loliva@sre.gob.mx

@Horses and cats --- Or, an improved version of your citation:

it is easy to make a cat do what it wants.

(unknown author; probably popular wisdom)

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

I emerged from a youth organisation --- where we were advocating for youth rights. So when I joined formal employment, I had reputation of being more open. Using the experience of fighting for youth rights. However, this created me problems because seniors were not comfortable with the approach. I was often advised to be diplomatic. So I think implicit communication save face but also helps to maintain relations.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

Unsaid --- is always golden but a mere utterance is a trigger of new conflict (this is more common in matrimonial squabbles).

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

a sense of community --- I guess this, unsaid communication, applies to both perceived positive and negative groups e.g. that of gangs. The idiom 'gang up' (with, on, or against) suddenly has a deeper meaning to me! As does the scottish idiom "the best-laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft a-gley".

Having "collective identity and solidarity" versus a break in that collective

Source author: Mamta Reid liveandsmile@hotmail.com

Illustration as explanation --- Interesting to do an image search to see how this story gets interpreted

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Reality checks --- And indeed that is what many of us do, keep spinning our own versions of reality willy nilly without any 'reality checks'. Great in fiction, not so cool in paranoia and psychoses. Even reality checks can be the constructs of a community.

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Riveting --- Wow, that's a very arresting thought and powerful contribution, thank you. I found this phrase particularly thought provoking: "during that hiatus a new narrative erupted into the culture"

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

A modest attempt... --- The Chinese language does not specify for number, tense, definiteness and other grammatical categories which are obligatory in Indo-Eurpoepan languages. Its characters also have a wider semantic scope than many of our equivalents, as you note. This is not a 'problem' except in translation, where the more encompassing meaning of the original has to be narrowed down into the more Procrustean categories of the target language. If you have ever translated poetry you will certainly have encountered the challenge of non-equivalence.

As for annotating Confucius, he wrote around 500 BC. The language has changed since then, as have the cultural references. These two divergences inevitably give rise to different interpretations. Additionally, the Chinese traditionally do not presume to explain what sages and poets thought, but to add their own thoughts and reactions.

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

The 'stretched silent' --- Thanks for this link.

I particularly liked the concept of the 'stretched silence', which 'indicates that the interviewer is actually listening, taking the speaker seriously. ... being heard and being taken seriously are two of the deepest needs of humans.'

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Animal language --- “no matter how eloquently a dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his parents were poor but honest” (Bertrand Russel)

You did indeed make me smile though your juxtaposition of bananas and virgins caused me some cognitive dissonance

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Work in progress! --- Practice makes perfect, keep leading them there ;)

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Heads ahead --- I love the image of keeping our heads a split second ahead of our mouths! Thank you for that!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

I wish this course --- was offered for an entire year! Before this course, "I didn't know WHAT I didn't know! Now I know enough as to be "dangerous" (kidding). The course gave us the ability to recognize the nuances within the nuances of language both personally and professionally. Thank you so much Biljani and I wish you the very best in all your future endeavors.

Source author: Marie Betts-Johnson mbj@ipicalifornia.com

@ Petru - Audiatur et altera pars! --- Thank you Petru for reminding us of this paramount principle of natural law. It is a principle which ought to be the governing precept in conducting diplomatic relations.

The Latin maxim, 'Audi Alteram Partem' is the principle of natural justice where every person gets a chance of being heard. The meaning of the maxim itself says no person shall be condemned unheard. Hence, no case or judgment can be decided without listening to the point of another party.

Yes, Petru, the media in the West and apparently in Romania rarely quotes Lavrov. However, the tide has turned; and we ignore it at our collective peril.

Foreign Minister Lavrov made the Russian interests clear to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the recent OSCE (Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe) summit.

At the conference (in a pre-meeting dinner) Russian FM Lavrov steamrolled over Secretary Blinken in a semi-public disagreement on Ukraine and NATO. The most vivid report is in the UK’s Financial Times.

Blinken and Lavrov exchanged heated remarks, both speaking in English, while 50 delegates from the participating nations listened in silence.

Lavrov’s statements, referring to President Putin’s current remarks, set out a red-line demand with respect to the cessation of NATO’s eastward expansion threatening the security of Russia.

The seriousness of this situation and its consequences for global security merits deep consideration by all diplomats. FM Lavrov, the voice of the Republic of Russia, demanded an equitable voice on the diplomatic stage and warned that the voice of the Russian Federation will be heard.

Source author: John D. Hipsley jhipsley@igc.org

Symbolizes a "cat and mouse" game --- In my opinion, mastering the unsaid takes patience and introspection. The movie "The Gambit" comes to mind. In chess, one has to interpret the opponent's next move!

Source author: Marie Betts-Johnson mbj@ipicalifornia.com

In my mind --- this creates an image of "coerced" diplomacy.

Source author: Marie Betts-Johnson mbj@ipicalifornia.com

First two sentences: Saddam Hussein has WMDs. --- Gap: GB inserts the inference that Saddam Hussein is responsible for September 11th bombing of the WTC NY.

Source author: Marie Betts-Johnson mbj@ipicalifornia.com

The verdict is not in. The accused may go free --- 1. Nothing to be done. The show must go on.

1. It is what it is. Life is not fair.

Source author: Marie Betts-Johnson mbj@ipicalifornia.com

lead them to the conclusions --- we have in mind. Doesn't always work as "you can lead a horse to the water, but you can't make it drink!"

"John Heywood called A Dialogue Conteinyng The Nomber in effect of all the Prouerbes in the English Tongue, 1546: “A man may well bryng a horse to the water, but he can not make hym drynke without he will.”

Source author: Marie Betts-Johnson mbj@ipicalifornia.com

politeness --- at a basic level, politeness often means to repect others' feelings. Instead of being direct, we might get around it by saying: "Why don't we try this instead?"

Source author: Marie Betts-Johnson mbj@ipicalifornia.com

Quote from Jubin Jomon --- We've been counciled all through our lives in one way or another that “Some things are better left unsaid.” The severing of a relationship must be weighed against saying something we will regret!"

Source author: Marie Betts-Johnson mbj@ipicalifornia.com

@Bi, Andrej: does this sound Chinese to you --- I am addressing the question to you, as Chinese speakers. I noticed already, in the Analects renovated (cited once), that the analects need interpretation to be properly understood. I can accept that. But was it because the maxims of Confucius were to subtle or abstract, or there is always a problem with the multiple significance of Chinese characters?

I am asking that, because I have another book in my hands, in French this time, which seems to suggest that it is insufficient merely to translate the the Chinese proverbs in French. The author transcribes first the Chinese proverbs into Latin letters, as to make sure that the translation does not ignore the original sense.

So, the next question: can these transcriptions be precise? For example, what do you understand by the following?

'Jiedao sharen'.

Tongchuang yimeng.

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

@Desirée: the unsaid in politics --- That brings me to the concept of silent majority in politics, which means that most of the people, whose opinions are moderate and reasonable, do not make them known. Instinctively, I do not like at all the fact that most politicians, in electoral campaigns, yell, do not speak loud. Their verb is aggressive, they tend to impose on the audience by volume instead of quality.

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

@Desirée: the ultrashort --- 'Cuando despertó, el dinosaurio aún estaba allí"

Thank you, Desirée! I am grateful for your citation: it is the only story I know by heart!

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

Thank you!! --- This was my first Diplo course and could not have asked for anything better. I completely enjoyed it and find it extremely helpful for my current and future responsibilities as a diplomat, or any future endeavours. Thank you very much adn I will make sure to come back to some lectures to fully grasp them and use them better.

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

Personal experience --- That is so true and I have never realized it. I studied International Affairs in Mexico, at a university which was once known for training future diplomats. The study program is mostly focused on history of all regions of the world (Europe, US and Canada, Latin America, Japan and China, Middle East... not Africa, though), which one may assume helps students and possibly future diplomats be aware of historical context and some cultural traits in different countries. However, there is not a single couse on the use of diplimatic language, discourse analysis and many other tools that would be very helpful.

I personally came accross this whole new field of knowledge during my masters degree in Security and Crisis Management. There was one particular elective, which I ended up taking because everything else was closed, that offered a lot of material to analyze. It was called "Emotions, passions, and world security" and ended up being one of my favorites covering subjects such as apology diplomacy and anger diplomacy. Wished I had learned about all this well before, but it is never too late ;)

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

I think... --- He is talking about Hussein's track record and intentions to use WMD, but not explicitly saying those actions were directed against America. Then he brings September 11, although not explicitly mentioning Sadam Hussein was responsible. However, these two ideas may be well bridged together by the listener, concluding Sadam Hussein's track record and intention to use WMD are intended against the USA and September 11 proves it.

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

Also in Spanish --- "When he woke up, the dinasaur was still there," by Augusto Monterroso is one of the shortest tales written in Spanish. It is traditionally analyzed in literature courses in middle and high school to show students how few words can tell a whole story.

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

And we could go on, and on... --- It is amazing to think how these predispositions of ours can end up creating a whole story or parallel reality. The linked ideas of the journalist leaving because the president entered the room can lead to someone concluding that a) the president does not like that particular journalist because he has "attacked him" before; b) the president does not like journalists at all, leading us to think he is not open to media and thus not democratic; c) the journalist left because the president had kept him waiting so long that now his story will be how the leader of the nation does not care about public opinion... and so on. Well nourished and with very creative imaginations, these preconceptions may end up in rumors or conspiracy theories that could have potentailly dangerous consequences.

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

Much more than that --- But that collective identity, based on the implicit communication that allows speaking the same language, also involves sharing the same values, context, culture. We can see it with countries that do speak the same language (like Spanish) but implicit communication is not a given, because of cultural differences.

I reminds me of Benedict Anderson's concept of "imagined communities" in which there are a lot of factors involved to create that sense of belonging. And, thinking in terms of this course, that space for leaving things unspoken, knowing the meaning will still be the same.

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

Who chooeses the unsaid? --- Very interesting Petru. What you mention about Lavrov never being quoted by the media got me thinking about how power relations and powerful actors can turn into "unsaid" something that was clearly said. Then, as you note, one has to be aware and open to different sources, ir order not to end up with only pieces arranged and presented to accomodate particular interests.

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

Two quotes I found --- "Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." (Benjamin Franklin)

"We are masters of the unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip out." (Winston Churchill)

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

Collective myths (Harari) --- Yes, language is vital in the communication and dissemination of collective myths, as a driver for progress in the history of humanity.

Let me invite your smile on this statement:

“You could never convince a monkey to give you a banana by promising him limitless bananas after death in monkey heaven.”

(Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens. A brief history of humankind) Source author: Petru Dumitriu <PetruD@diplomacy.edu>

@ Truth has a scratched face --- Telling the unpleasant truth comes always at the price. If something was damaged by Wikileaks that was the trust of the American people in their government.

If spying, hiding secrets and making decisions behind closed door is legitimate, why would that kind of transparency and exposure brought by WikiLeaks be criminal? Those were not "private" communications, between individuals, but "official" communications, between institutions.

The governments (and not only) can, at any moment invade the privacy of individuals, what's so wrong in the individuals' opportunity to know more about the inside world of their governments?

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

Confucius. Unsaid by omission or by premeditation ? --- I will take advantage of the delicate Chinese flavour that caresses our language course, to bring a Confucius' perspective on the unsaid.

The Master is quoted to have said: "it is difficult to liver up to one's word, a man cannot but but be unhurried in speaking". (Analects renovated, Dr. Alan Chan, QUFU Confucius Neo-Institute).

The commentator, Dr. Alan Chan, explains: "A gentleman's word is his bound. He ought to keep his head a split second ahead of his mouth".

As a non-invited commentator, I would say that there are two sorts of "unsaid". One is where subtlety prevails over forthrightness, the implicit over the explicit, the grey over the black & white. The other is just a wise cautious approach; words fly but their consequences stay with us. Speech is silver, silence is golden. Source author: Petru Dumitriu <PetruD@diplomacy.edu>

@John: Sergey Lavrov --- Yes, I can confirm that Sergey Lavrov is an accomplished diplomat. I know him since the time he was the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the United Nations - New York and I was serving in the Permanent Mission of Romania. In official circumstances mainly, but also in one or two working lunches or dinners.

He is indeed a diplomat who does not have to lie abroad for the good of his country. He has this gift to translate political language or national interest into international law language.

Unfortunately, in my part of the world, in the context of this new cold war, Sergey Lavrov is never quoted by the main stream media. We could hear what NATO or EU officials say, word by word, but never Lavrov. At the most, he is paraphrased in a way to suggest that Russia is always the devil who challenges the Western angels.

A good diplomat should not report like media, but in a balanced way, which would make the decision-makers know all the arguments of the interlocutor.

The old maxim 'Audiatur et altera pars!' is often ignored.

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

technology and science --- Science/ state of the art research depends on technology. It would be quite impossible without the input of ethnological tools. Starting from data collection, data analysis and in some cases transforming data in to useful formats for making conclusions as well.

Source author: Lakmini Premadasa lakminisurangika@gmail.com

AAAS --- I'm glad you included AAAS as an example of a boundary organization. I'd go beyond the STPF program, but that one is probably the most impactful AAAS program. It's 50 years old and a lot of influential people who now work or have worked at the government and other key institutions were part of this program (including directors of other AAAS programs). AAAS also has a Mass Media fellowship, where scientists are placed at renowned news outlets. Interestingly, there are efforts to replicate the STPF model internationally (in Canada, for instance) and at the state level in the US (e.g., Idaho).

Source author: Brenda Estefania Ortiz Calva eortizcalva@aaas.org

The power of majorities --- This made me think about the importance of majorities in order to approve laws - it's really about the proposal that can gather sufficient votes to pass, at least in democracies with independent legislative branches. Also, elected officials have to weigh in what are the priorities, concerns, etc of their constituents and how are their votes going to affect their political future.

Source author: Brenda Estefania Ortiz Calva eortizcalva@aaas.org

Politics --- I did ;)

Source author: Maxime Stauffer Maxime.Stauffer@unige.ch

Examples --- Thank you! This is definitely something we want to correct for future iterations of this module. Point well taken!

Source author: Maxime Stauffer Maxime.Stauffer@unige.ch

examples --- Since I do not know the mentioned examples, it is not clear how they fit the description.

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

politicians --- I do not see the trace of politicians in these 4 roles. It is not also clear the difference of science and knowledge in this context.

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

the question of menopausal hormone substitution --- is one field where reviews and meta-analysis were game changers in the last decades. They showed it is not a question about Yes or No, but about When and to Whom

Source author: Katharina Beyer katharina.beyer@etu.unige.ch

The review-writers --- Hi Aura, Just browsing again trough the past lecture, and I thought I answer your question for the area I'm familiar with, medicine. Basically anybody is encouraged to write reviews, and I know an independent physiotherapist with no academic ambition who wrote a very good review on shoulder pain treatment. As I said before, it's extremely time consuming, and the reward is low, since you spend hours on other peoples work (one of the BIG tasks is to select the studies you will include, on the basis of different kind of errors in different -published- studies). What you find reflects what others have studied AND published (although for the last one things are about to change, because the bias of publication is already a significant one). In general, review writers are hard workers, not so focussed on themselves and what they think, and not necessarily experts of the subject themselves (the PH institute where I worked did reviews on surgical procedures without a surgeon working on it). So in a way boundary spanners between scientists with potentially different hypothesis.

Source author: Katharina Beyer katharina.beyer@etu.unige.ch

Boundary organisations - table in the class reading 7.2 --- You forgot to mention UNESCO, which is probably the biggest and most well known boundary organisation, in accordance with your definitions and criteria!

Source author: Massimiliano Lombardo m.lombardo@unesco.org

I am a boundary spanner --- Yes, I am a boundary spanner, given my role as Programme Specialist for Natural Sciences at UNESCO, but not only because of that. I will explain this in my assignment work.

Source author: Massimiliano Lombardo m.lombardo@unesco.org

UNESCO is a boundary spanner --- UNESCO works actively at the interface between science and policy, including by mixing and merging them into policy action.

Source author: Massimiliano Lombardo m.lombardo@unesco.org

Examples of formal arrangements at the science-policy interface (SPI) --- It is a pity that in the table there are no examples of formal arrangements created by "the South"/developing countries and UN agencies

Source author: Massimiliano Lombardo m.lombardo@unesco.org

Knowledge exchange --- I agree with Bednarek et al. (2018) concept that knowledge exchange is a function of how different actors "feel" about each other, although I think this narrows the meaning and importance of knowledge exchange.

"Knowledge exchange" is also referred as "Sharing of knowledge". It is also a learning process, that requires open mind, open listening and unbiased analysis by those who are involved in the exchange, without expectations of immediate social, economic and/or environmental return for those who are promoting and supporting the exchange. In this regard, it is important to note that, as discussed in a webinar convened by UNESCO in July 2021 (https://en.unesco.org/futuresofeducation/news/webinar-whose-evidence-knowledge-and-research-education-context-covid-19), historically, research and knowledge flows have too often been unidirectional, from Global North to Global South, and, therefore, multi-directional knowledge exchange is needed.

Source author: Massimiliano Lombardo m.lombardo@unesco.org

The coalescence of values is the realm of politics (Module 7, 7.2 class reading) --- This is such a great sentence and an undisputed truth! Dear Katherina, who wrote it?

Source author: Massimiliano Lombardo m.lombardo@unesco.org

Agree --- I think this action can help different actors to have the awareness to break the silos, and probably each of them will want to understand the different terminology to communicate.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

This is my first time to know about "Knowledge Broker" --- I agree with Désiré. There is not enough time to review or wait for the scientific articles or the result of an experiment for policymakers.

Some policymakers post some questions or wrong messages on social media to see the reaction of social media users to make their policy.

I have thought about "think tanker" but maybe knowledge broker will bring the compatible answer for the expectation.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

Education and disposable income per household --- There is a situation in Taiwan. Some elementary students have an interest in science because their families can support them when they are in childhood. Some parents don't have any awareness of how to support their children to have interests in science. That situation makes some special groups can keep studying in a related area. They probably become scientists or professionals in their area but may not involve in political areas or policy-making.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

agreed --- great comment - exhaustive and to the point!

regarding trade-offs, I would say that there is no need for the task-force to have unanimous views. The task-force can (perhaps should) have dissenting views among the members. At the end, it should be the (elected and legimitate) executive branch of the government who decides on measures (based on sceintific advice and expertise).

Source author: Samir Yeddes samir.yeddes@eda.admin.ch

WHO = Member States --- Actually it is the other way round - Member States have the duty to inform WHO of any public health issue that could have global consequences. No country ever did it... Obviously the mechanism is not working.

That said, international organizations have no coercitive power / army; at best they have a moral power. Member States are sovereign and no external entity (except the Security Council under certain conditions and for issues related to international peace and security) can force a State to do anything...

Source author: Samir Yeddes samir.yeddes@eda.admin.ch

Science and community leaders --- In reply to Maxime's comment about the role of science as just another voice, comparable to interest groups - I think it's different, it should have a higher weigh, but it needs trust from other relevant voices at the table, e.g., community/local/religious leaders. You cannot expect they will listen to science if they have never been engaged before, if there hasn't been an effort by the scientific community to build trust with them. This might be something that can be built on early on through school and teachers, but I know that would not work with certain communities that listen to different local authorities.

Source author: Brenda Estefania Ortiz Calva eortizcalva@aaas.org

Dumping of Cheap Chinese products --- Dumping of Chinese products in Africa is a huge concern. Influx of these cheap products such as clothing, building materials etc, has destroyed our local industries. A number of the manufacturing industries have been driven out of business by cheap Chinese goods as they do not have the capacity to compete with the imports. yet, it appears most African countries are not prepared to impose anti dumping laws on Chinese products to protects their industries

Source author: Lapologang Judah lapoduna@gmail.com

Multilateral institutions --- Provide the global framework for peace and stability. But the difficulty governments face in reaching global agreements on trade, climate change and other issues has led many to question whether this model can still succeed.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

For instance the EU's General Scheme of Preferences --- Removes import duties from products coming into the EU market from vulnerable developing countries. This helps developing countries to alleviate poverty and create jobs based on international values and principles, including labour and human rights.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

The original GATT --- Contained no explicit provisions regarding developing countries, soon thereafter developing countries started to raise concerns and identify special challenges that they faced in international trade. The starting point of their concerns was that sustainable increases in income and output could only be brought about through increased industrialization.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

Whilst agreeing to this point made, i would like to highlight --- That towards the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic’s evolution and the global investment policy environment has continued to affect FDI flows in 2021. In particular for developing countries, the prospects for 2021 are a major concern.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

A WTO adapted to the 21st century --- Trade rules will need to be adapted to economic transformations such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. WTO members should continue working at a multilateral level to reach an agreement that would limit fisheries subsidies and contribute to a sustainable ocean economy. They should consider also future rules on investment facilitation and domestic regulations that may constitute unnecessary barriers to trade in services. Establishing a common playing field in electronic commerce would facilitate electronic transactions and digital commerce, and could help manage broader tensions over technology.

Source author: Cecilia Treemonisha Barros Ruiz cbarros@sre.gob.mx

The Nairobi Package --- Although the Nairobi Package took a step forward in favor of Latin American and Caribbean countries, its real effects were less significant in the short term because the type of subsidies that were prohibited (direct budgetary outlays to producers on the condition that the product crosses the country's borders) had already been reduced in the last 15 years, and had effectively become non-existent for the US in 2002 and for the European Union in 2007.

Source author: Cecilia Treemonisha Barros Ruiz cbarros@sre.gob.mx

The first women to lead the OMC --- The appointment of Ngozi Okonjo-Iwala to the head of the WTO had to go through some obstacles during the Trump administration, who opposed her appointment in Geneva and blocked the process, supporting then the South Korean Minister of Commerce, Yoo Myung-hee. However, in February 2021, the Biden administration reiterated it strong support to the candidacy of Ngozi Okonjo-Iwala, who would become the first woman to lead the institution. Okonjo-Iweala is credited with her vast knowledge in economics and diplomacy for her 25 experience at the World Bank and two terms as Nigerian Finance Minister. Okonjo assumed the general direction of the WTO, facing a serious economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also a climate of distrust in multilateral institutions and a trade war between China and the United States as a backdrop.

Source author: Cecilia Treemonisha Barros Ruiz cbarros@sre.gob.mx

WTO’s internal reform --- Given that international trade liberalization is partially at a standstill, I believe that the current approach of the WTO to reform its internal structures is more effective. Perhaps the organization cannot directly confront the protectionist or discriminatory policies of some countries, but it can focus on improving its mechanisms to attend to other commercial needs. However, it is clear that this mission can only be carried out with the political and financial support of its members.

Source author: Ricardo Daniel Delgado Muñoz rdelgado@sre.gob.mx

Don't open the door! --- It is very good news that people are generally more aware of spam emails and more cautious.

However, as the attacks are becoming more sophisticated, how is it possible for the average internet user to protect himself? Machine learning (AI) could improve the "alarm system" in case of dubious email. But the human factor will remain at the center. We may get back though to old wisdom : "Don't open the door to strangers, Little Red Riding Hood"!<br /> We should definitely become more cautious, even though the comfort of internet invites us to be open and trustful.

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

IoT "smart but vulnerable" --- We can make ourself unnecessary vulnerable with devices we don't really need... A "smart" coffee maker connected to the wifi can be hacked and the cybercriminal enter the connected phone or computer system without any security barriers.

We need to set standards in order to design safe items from the outset. On the other hand, consumers should think twice if they really need a smart coffee machine or tooth brush....

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

Hybrid crimes --- Cyber crime of course can also be "hybrid". For example : a cyber criminal calling his/her victim and pretending to be a bank employee checking on a problem with the system. He/she asks for the confirmation code that the 2 levels security system sends to the mobile phone of the victim.... and so he/she can easily enter into the bank account....

Some criminals can be very convincing. Such a case in Switzerland saw even IT engineers among the victims... We are all vulnerable !! Luckily the criminals could be arrested thanks to the good cooperation with the Netherlands and Germany.

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

Engagement with different stakeholders --- Agree, Having an embassy in a country. not only facilitates access to information and monitoring events within that country, but it also provides an opportunity to report on the following; any human rights violations, the impact of sanctions on ordinary citizens, economic developments, and the overall political situation. This means that the embassy must be proactive, and interact with different important stakeholders.

Source author: Matshedisa Emily Mokoena mokoenamati@gmail.com

Effective smart sanctions --- Smart sanctions must be credible and adaptable in order to be effective. The target must believe that the severity of the sanctions will be increased or decreased in response to its actions. In 2012, the Obama administration eased some financial and investment restrictions in response to major political reforms in Myanmar. The sanctions program was terminated in 2016. However, in this case, Myanmar's leaders quickly escalated abuses against the country's Rohingya minority, prompting the US to reinstitute sanctions in early 2019

Source author: Matshedisa Emily Mokoena mokoenamati@gmail.com

freezing the assets and travel bans --- On many levels, freezing the assets of individuals, corporations, and foundations is regarded as one of the most promising forms of targeted sanctions. Freezing a person's assets also appears to be far more powerful and damaging than, say, travel restrictions. However, there are organizational challenges with this measure as well: a corrupt dictator can conceal his assets abroad. Asset freezes can only be affectively implemented if the leader of a targeted state has identifiable assets abroad and is more interested in retaining his wealth than in staying in power.

Source author: Matshedisa Emily Mokoena mokoenamati@gmail.com

The sad reality of economic sanctions --- The sanctions have also affected Zimbabwe's diaspora community. The economic sanctions have had a negative impact on remittances from the diaspora into the country. Funds are seized, and payment processing companies become the victims of long, arduous inquests into specific transactions originating from diaspora individuals.

Source author: Matshedisa Emily Mokoena mokoenamati@gmail.com

mostly is just to make the population suffer --- Whether or not they achieve their objectives, sanctions have great economic impact on target countries: their technological development slows down and their populations grow poorer.

Source author: Mavis Tungulu mtungulu@gmail.com

Indeed --- The stronger economy backed by other forms of power can incur more damage on the target country than it will sustain in return, but it does not always alter the political behaviour of the government to be “punished”. Sometimes sanctions can make that behaviour even more problematic.

Source author: Mavis Tungulu mtungulu@gmail.com

The decision no longer rests with consumer --- When it comes to tourism, it appears that no matter how the country's MFA, ministry of tourism, or tourism private-sector stakeholders prepare to use tourism to promote economic development, it has become a difficult task, especially since the decision to visit a specific country no longer rests with the consumer but with their government. Consider the recent random travel restrictions imposed on South Africa and other Southern African countries in the aftermath of South Africa's announcement that SA scientists had discovered the latest Covid-19 variant, now dubbed Omicron by the World Health Organization. This decision, does have the capacity to ruin the entire region's tourism industry.

Source author: Matshedisa Emily Mokoena mokoenamati@gmail.com

Yes in addition, --- This generally requires more extensive market analysis and detailed intelligence on consumer behaviour and decision-making, including the motivating factors that prompt consumers to research and book a trip to a specific country.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

Trade disputes --- After the Brexit, the UK has lost all it's rights and obligations it had as an EU Member State and during the transition period under the Withdrawal Agreement, it was mentioned that It will no longer benefit from seamless access to the EU Single Market and Customs Union, or from EU policies and international agreements (including its free trade agreements with other third countries).

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

Good point Ricardo... --- In order for coordinating entities to succeed, MFAs need to invest time and financial resources in the longsome.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

Indeed Judah, as a matter of fact --- Communication plays a crucial role in intensifying support, creating political space for policies and mobilizing resources. Particularly in this time of economic crisis, public dialogue is an important instrument for sustaining commitment to fighting poverty.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

Thomas Cromwell's mnemonics --- Thanks for this link to Sherlock Holmes and to the ancient Roman mnemonic technique of assigning topics to rooms in a house (usually round a courtyard, enabling a speaker to return to his starting point at the end). Thomas Cromwell, as depicted in Hilary Mantel's trilogy (Bring up the Bodies, Wolf Hall, The Mirror and the Light) also used a similar mnemonic, but attached his memories to the details of a painting.

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Tourism --- Tourism is one of the most directly affected sectors in this current crisis and this calls for immediate and long term responses. With international aviation at a virtual standstill, the closure of tourism sites and attractions, the cancellation or postponement of major festivals and events, and restrictions on public gatherings (indoor and outdoor) in many countries, the impact of COVID-19 on global tourism has been overwhelming and immediate.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

In response --- Responding to competitive pressures and the need to find and exploit new markets for domestic goods and services, commercial diplomacy primarily involves export and investment support and advocacy for domestic business.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

Very true --- Most business owners have a very low level of education and indeed exporting is new to them.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

In my opinion --- Given that thousands of goods and services are produced, imported, and exported in any economy, determining how trade policy affects relative prices is complex. Political economy forces are often such that the poor have little influence on the policy choices made by governments. Therefore, the impact of a country’s overall trade policy on the incomes of different groups in society needs to be taken into account. This impact will be affected by relative prices. Just as or if not more important is to determine how the exercise of trade policy affects incomes.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

National standards - One question --- @Vlada. Very interesting paper from the Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace. Thanks for sharing!

My host country, Denmark, has developed an E-certification for SMEs to offer a more affordable alternative to ISO certification. Other similar initiatives are being developed in other countries.

Would it be correct to say that these national certifications are useful only if they keep in constant dialogue with a "global network of certification bodies" that could be hosted, for example, at he Geneva Dialogue on responsible Behaviour in cyberspace? Thanks.

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

IT + cybersecurity for SDGs --- If we manage to emphasise the link between IT, including cybersecurity, and SDGs, we may help governments in developing countries put more focus on IT infrastructures and safety? Investing into IT infrastructure is investing in economic development.

The digital divide is a big concern. Developing countries investing in IT will benefit from the digital growth. The entry ticket might get more expensive with time.

Let's hope that the new EU Global Gateway will boost investments in e-infrastructures in developing countries!

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

From words to action: a steep road! --- Moving from discussions and awareness raising to action is the most difficult part ! We need huge investments in infrastructure, security, standards etc. It shouldn't be a big issue when we look at the growing economic importance of the digital economy and the essential role of digitalisation for critical infrastructure. It was quite concerning to hear Stefanie Frey underlining that even governments of countries that are at the forefront of IT are not doing enough to protect their "crown jewels". Politics is clearly not adapting quickly enough the changes in the real virtual world! Let's hope we won't learn our lesson the hard way...

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

New Tech for SDGs... but let's act quickly! --- This is an important call from the UN Secretary General. It says it all: The use of new technologies as a tool to achieve the SDGs, but also the necessary conditions to make it work: infrastructure, education, security, role of the private sector and big Tech companies, civil society, international cooperation, open internet, human rights, standards etc. etc. The frame is set. It is addressing the digital divide and fragmentation of the internet. Even if geo-strategic interests are an obvious obstacle, it is necessary to try to advance at a multilateral level. We have to act quickly as the technology is moving fast.

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch