Action plan --- for instance why is lwa enforcement so inherently bad and cannot help? a) because they lack money and resources, b) know how and c) have inadequate structures. They need to be empowered through clear guidelines and a political will.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Action plan --- Implementing all the measures defines in the NCS cost a lot of money and require know how. Building up that know how costs a lot of money, etc.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Implementation --- lack of money and capabilities and weak strucures to enforce measures that are painful and difficult.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

NCS --- keep in mind developing a strategy is easy, but implementing it with the necessary funds and know how that is the challenge and that is where most countries fail.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Coordination --- As cybersecurity is the cross cutting issue, it requires coordination power to lead and drive the initiatives forward. In addition, it sometime require immediate decision from the head of state (e.g. Cyber attack to CI sector).

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

GCI and CMM --- Sadly these never refelct the reality. I have reviewed countries that fared really well in the bechnlark and the reality on the ground was frightening and did not refelct what was in the CMM.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

CERT --- It is depend on arrangement. Some country, CERT is just a small technical focus team, where the rest of cybersecurity issues are with high level cyber coordination body.

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

NCS vs other strategies --- Without the internet, digitization, interconnectivity, IoT, etc. we would not have a cyber problem. Those who digitize and come up with innovations and push for IoT do that to make life easier, without considering security. This is the typical functionality vs security divide. Therefore, there MUST be a digitization strategy, a ICT strategy and a cyber strategy that highlights in which areas of the former two there MUST be security. Remember IT is not cyber. IT is part of cyber. And as you must have noticed most countries are already developing all three strategies.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

NCS --- In my opinion this point does not belong into the NCS. These are not domestic security issues, but should be dealt with in the digitization strategy and the foreign office strategy on cyber and digiziation (see Switzerland).

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

NATO --- In the conventional world this works well, but for cyber it is more complicated. It is already being done for the NATO networks, but every nation has an individual network and infrastructure so it is very hard to out source this. The NATO CERT can not really help the German CERT, has they do not know the German network.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Defence and offence --- Why?? You are making a clssic mistake here. In the non-cyber world, we have defensive and offensive polices, armies, weapons, etc. so what is so different for cyber? ANd what in you opinion is a cyber weapon? If you disable the air surveillance system to enter your enemies airspace undetected in order to bom their facilities, Is this a cyber weapon? Technology is a means to an end. It is essential to understand a states polciies and decision to use which instrument ot achieve which goal. Nuclear, conventional, cyber,. etc. Read Thomas Rid: cyber war will not take place.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Cyber the most used word --- let me ask you: is there a difference between crime and terrorism? And depending on your answer the same applies to cyber. terrorism is terrorism, crime is crime, cyber is just the means with which it is conducted.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

INternet vs Cyber Security --- Be careful not to mix the two together. Internet is not Cyber security. Because of the internet and digitization we have a cyber issue and cyber crime.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Technologies --- Not really, most countries in the EU are part of a wieder network and is up to date with technological changes, advancements and innovations. See ENISA, various groups and societies on AI, etc. This is the reason why NCS are reviews regulary and updated and adapted to fit new challenges. One of the most important aspects of a NCS is the nalaysis of the geo-strategic Environment, emerging technologies, digitization and cyber threats.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

REgulator --- The regulator IS a national body, e.g. Federal Office of Energy, Federal Office of Telecommunication, Federal Offcie of Finance, etc. They set the laws and regulations for the resepctive sectors, and those have to be followed. In Federal States the government is not above them, but they are part of the government.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Legal Frameworks --- I can see your point and I can follow your thought process. HOwever, this is the biggest challenge that everyone looks towards the state for legal frameworks and cyber solutions. You do not always need cyber solutions, there are many laws in place that regulate the private industries (risk management of techincl infrastructures) and they are bound to those laws. So the 90% that you are talking about must follow certain rules and regulations. After a cyber atatck many of these laws apply as this is part of the ripple effect. e.g. there are stringent rules for the automobile industry (see TISAX certification).The state must regulate all that falls within its jurisdiction including CI. All others must also develop NMCS and legal frameworks.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Multistakeholder --- @Stephanie The issue of Multi-stakeholder usually ends up with a water-down consensus version of the tough actions required as you have suggested. It is sometime of greater effect to simply lay down the rules. I tend to agree that this entire exercise in consensus making and CBMs are diplomatic niceties to appease some nations and thus it seems there will never be any serious attempt to curb these cyber issues unless serious decision-making is done.

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

Duration of NCS --- State budget planning is every 3-5 years, therefore it would not make sense to review earlieer, as you need money for Cyber solutions. IT and Cyber costs:-)

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Democracy --- Yes, but only in democratic states. That is the problem, centralized states have a different take and there the government holds ALL the knowledge.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

NGOs --- and why is that a good idea? I think it is a terrible idea. That is not the role of an NGO. Training and awareness is clearly a task of the respective owners. Governments or companies.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

NCS --- You have to be careful not to mix up the elemts. The drafting of a National Cyber Strategy folllows the actual national policy of a state: cwentralized states have centralized approaches to cyber and federal states federal approaches. In a federal approach there is a clear division of responsibiliites and therefore the strategy must include: the political level, the technical level, the legal level and law enforcemnt. All these elements play together, The development of the internet has nothing to do with cyber. We have cyber attacks and a cyber space beacuse there is the internet and because we digitize everything. Withouht the internet we would not have cyber crime. So in oder to combat the problem, we need to have strong and resilient infrastructures (IT), strong and empowered law enforcement and the political will to fight cyber crime. Do not make the mistake to mix IT and cyber otherwise, you will never grasp the main challenges.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Law Enforcement --- You have a point there. Indeed prosecution is rare. IN all the cases we did the active crisis management, not one of them was prosecuted. CBMs are anyhow not a tool of deterrence, it is simply a foreign office tool to make nations feel better. Responsible state behaviour does not interest criminals and rouge states. There have to be tougher laws with punitive action otherwise cyber space remains a lawless space and a playing field for criminals. Ultimately, this is a political quesiton to enable a state to take a tougher stance towards cyber crime. NObody really wants to go against Russia or China. The important question to ask here is why do so many criminal act and groupd come from Russia?

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Multistakeholder --- I am not sure I understand what you are trying to say here. WHen it comes to national secuirty, there is no room for compromise. A multi-stakeholder approach merely means that we must integrate into our decision-making process the oponion of all invlinvolved people. We need IT, law, etc. THis does not mean one element is more important than the other. Check out the cycle of a normal crisis management process. At the beginning ofd the process IT and forensiks is the first line of defence, then legal and monetary matters come into play and then strategic policy-making elements, i.e. which policiy to implement.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Developed vy developing --- Yes it is big and we need to close the gap fast.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

CERT --- Absolutely not! A CERT has a very specific function and that is responding to cyber incidents to their infrastruicture and networks.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Qualified --- Enabling qualified people is a question of money and good connections. Education is a central part of your national strategy. Clear measures must be defined and most impotantly implemented. Introducing study courses and degree programs for Cyber as well as exchange programs with more developed countries. Check out the courses in Albstadt Sigmaringen. https://www.hs-albsig.de/hochschule/organisation/international-office/information-in-english

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

NAtional Strategy --- Absolutely, cyber is one of the top risks today. Check out the World Bank Risk Report.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Soft policies --- Not only CII, but all.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Companies --- I agree that it is the responsibility of companies to have a proper secuirty in place. The governement is responsible for their own infrastructure and must set guidelines for CII, but ultimately they must implement it.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Awareness and Training --- Of courswe training is crucial and developed countries have an obligation to assist. However, it is not enough, as we have invested so much time and money into trainings. Cyber criminls are very clever and even skilled poeple fall for their methods, so we need top introduce restictive measues to increase our secuirty. These could include password proteced attachments, restrictive use of USB sticks, etc. etc.

Source author: Stefanie Frey stefanie.frey@deutor.de

Disconnect between Natural & Social Sciences --- The disconnect begins at the level of education & training, it would seem. Once a student/trainee is committed to the natural or social sciences, they tend to deep-dive in their subject of choice, while slowly losing whatever small connect they may have with the other. This is true at least in my case. Only as I was completing my PhD in Neurobiology, did I feel the need to gain a better grasp on social sciences, and ended up with a MA in International S&T Policy. Perhaps these two fields could remain connected if not integrated from early on.

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

Thank you! --- I agree and appreciate the nuance that 7.1 and 7.2 bring to the discussion of science policy! Through 'misfits', they contrast the cultures that scientists and policymakers operate in, the motivations and pressures they face, and how to bridge the gap between them. I learnt now that I'm a 'boundary spanner'!

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

Cultural Intelligence vs. a culture of science --- I think in terms of science diplomacy that cultural intelligence would aid in understanding how different cultures respond to science, engineering and technology as tools for sustainable development. Culture can be both a driver and barrier to sustainable development. A culture of science in a society would support applications of engineering and technology.

Source author: Petal Punalall Jetoo pjetoo@gmail.com

Diversity adds to making sense --- I agree with you bringing all of the actors together. The diversity of experiences add value to the policy development process.

Source author: Petal Punalall Jetoo pjetoo@gmail.com

Diversity & Decisiveness --- Agree that having a diverse stakeholder group is needed to understand their perspectives and concerns, and get their buy-in even if the final decision is not what they were hoping for. An important group are the (bio)ethicists who lay out the norms to follow based on scientific evidence.

To overcome the pandemic, the policymakers ought to invoke the fundamental principle of nonmaleficence i.e. 'do no harm', to ensure everyone complies with masking, distancing, and getting vaccinated. This protects oneself and others, and minimises death, disease and loss-of-livelihoods.

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

Boundary spanning in SciComm --- Indeed, generally the scientific community prefers to be apolitical. However, communicating their science to non-scientific audiences needs more than a push, and could be a normal routine (than treated as an add-on). This could be direct with training or through science communication/engagement specialists to do the translation, to not only inform but engage the public and policymakers (often times the taxpayers funding their research).

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

Depends on the desired outcome & the path there... --- I agree with multi-stakeholder involvement mentioned by Petal, Souhila & George, with health experts providing the evidence AND recommendations for actions, acknowledging that 'no one is safe until everyone is safe'. As we have seen, countries wherein policymakers and politicians followed scientific evidence dealt with less certainty, and therefore more confidence in their policy approaches, have generally been successful. An important cultural variable at play are values - in this case, collectivism vs. individualism seems to ultimately determine the outcome of the pandemic.

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

Experts --- These experts must have a medical background, especially in epidemiology and psychology. This is the fundamental requirement. Also, we need a data analysis team to work together. The medical experts ask questions.

The data analysis team collects, cleans, analysis data. They transfer the evidence/data to an easy way to understand.

And of course, a group knows the communication and social media operate very well for the public relationship.

Besides professional knowledge, the compassion and patience to respond to the media are necessary.

I forgot to set a team to negotiate with COVAX or some people to buy vaccine yesterday.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

Ambiguity --- “In the framework of" could also modify the verb “agree”...

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

subordinate clauses --- “In the framework of”…, and “under the auspices of the UN” are additional subordinated clauses. The first one can modify the verb “settle”; the second one, depends very much on the knowledge of the context.

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

The most embeded --- The most embedded clause:… to settle the question of the return to the October… It is separated from the main clause by words like “between them will begin immediately”

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

Main clause --- What is the main clause? “That both sides agree that discussions... will (start to) settle the question of the return to the October 22 positions”. “That both sides agree” is the verb of the main clause.

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

Interesting --- I find this to be a very interesting remark. As tempted to agree as I am, and even prone to argue that somehow we are "wired" to do this interpretation intuitively, there are some facts that show the opposite.

I am going back to my Walt Disney examples here (but also WB, Hannah Barbera and basically every cartoon or movie we or our parent grew up with). There has been much debate recently regarding the messages, images and values portrayed in these cartoons or movies that turn out to be politically incorrect today. Of course I would never defend sexual harrasment, but putting the blame on Pepe Le Pew seems a bit too much. So, apparently, we do not contextualize as automatically as it may seem.

The cartoons are of course a banal example, and yes, we can probably sort it out by putting a disclaimer at the beginning, but I think they show how tense and extreme the matter of political correctness has come. Extrapolating this to international relationas or international law, I think it is almost impossible to leave contextual interpretation to intuition.

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

After 2007 --- It refers to all cities, facilities and “other areas” (with this last two words, it includes practically everything, every place) and I think this is because the Chinese are not very prone to grant liberties.

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

Before 2007 --- It refers only to the areas where the olympics are taking place.

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

Albures --- Mexicans and other nationalities are masters in the use of ambiguous phrases. They are used a lot to make people laugh in what we know as “albures” (puns with sexual connotations), where they allude to situations reserved for adults, but heard by a child, nothing wicked can be discerned.

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

Smart and perception --- I have always found the word "Smart" to be very American, as there it is applied to everything. To me it always makes me think of "handsome" and when they say that a well-dressed person looks "smart" I don't always agree, therefore.

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

A whitewash --- After reading “10 ways to sex up a dossier” that describes and examines all the changes made to the dossier, I have no doubt that it was a whitewash, and that those who claim otherwise are possibly (note the ambiguity in the "possibly") holding back interest.

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

The importance of mastering the language --- To identify them, one must have an excellent knowledge of the language as well as of the local pronunciation. The following homophones work in Spanish: Vaya valla que la vaca baya no pudo saltar (What a fence that the berry cow could not jump over).

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

The art of politicians... --- The art of politicians is time handling!

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

The ability of ambiguity to buy time --- They say in Mexico that if there is a dispute, let it cool. If it's still going on when you come back, then settle it.

If there is a problem, leave it for a few days. If it persists, then it is important.

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

An exemple of the cons --- If one overuses ambiguities, one can lose credibility or get an opposite or different result from what one is looking for by not being clear.

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

An exemple of the pros --- When there is a terminally ill person, one can be vague in saying: "maybe the treatment will work" (maintain hope).

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

Honesty and diplomacy --- That a diplomat only lies abroad. That the diplomat is sent to lie but he need not be a lier. That lies are always for the sake of “his country”.

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

Pros and cons --- Language can be artistic, since, through it, one can create situations that do not even exist. The issue with ambiguity is the lack of ethics that can be involved in using it.

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

Politicians, masters in ambiguity --- Politicians are the masters of ambiguity as they seek to please the greatest number of people. Here, is a famous quote from a politician in Mexico: This is neither good nor bad, but quite the opposite.

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

Timewise --- A further element is time: what is the temporal extension of this ban? Is it in force along the Olympic games only or is it in force during ANY Olympic competition, including qualifying competitions?

This clause is indeed ambiguous.

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

Too broad a scope --- I agree with Christian: an extreme interpretation of this rule, could give place to preposterous prohibitions, for instance: (i) anywhere during the length of a given Olympic competition, or (ii) anywhere, with no temporal restrictions (i.e. before or after an Olympic competition).

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

This is also true... --- Under a legal perspective.

If a given set of rules elaborates too much, it is likely that a given situation not matching precisely a rule/definition will be left out of application: legal lacunae.

Reality evolves faster than the law. Even the more accomplished lawmakers are not likely to address any possible event that may occur in the future, that is why a certain amount of imprecision/ambiguity can proof useful for further/broader interpretation of the law.

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

Antinomy --- The definition is ambiguous by antinomy: (1) an honest man/person cannot lie; (2) if he lies he is not honest, hence, he is not likely to act for the good of his country.

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

Totally true! --- For instance, in the final text of treaties: when there is no consensus/majority to agree on a specific definition/subrule, it is left open for later interpretation.

But since it is better to have certain rules than no rules, silence or ambiguity (derived from partial/no consensus) in a given treaty is far better than its absence.

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

I would say --- If authors of most literature books come back to read analysis of their books or works of literature, they will be shocked.

This means that words uttered or written are subject to many interpretations. As such, originator more often, does not own the interpretation. It is all up to the wind.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

This is very cartesian --- Since thought is the proof of one's existence, and thought is (the only proved) reality, the political world as it is thought (by each of us, ambiguities included) is the actual/existent political world...

But I agree that we should rather focus on linguistic aspects of ambiguity :)

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

Evolutive interpretation --- Some jurisdictions/courts have managed to interpret and apply treaties/the law as it (and its concepts) evolve along the time.

However, when a given statute/treaty is absolutely out of context, it tends to be overcome by a newer one addressing the same issues but in accordance with the present context.

I think that we intuitively conduct evolutive interpretation when, for instance, we read books written centuries ago: we tend to bring in our concepts/mindset to picture the story.

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

The general rule of interpretation... --- ...set forth in art. 31(1) of the VCLT, actually appeals to the context and purpose of the treaty to interpret its terms.

Just like context in the law of treaties appeals to the big picture, I think that the general rule of interpretation is very useful for disambiguation in general! :)

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

The Borgia’s concupiscence or the Call to a Pope from a well-respected group of disinhibited women --- Maybe the Century it happened could gives us some context for an assertive up take...

Source author: Eric Suzán Reed esuzan@sre.gob.mx

The built-up of an armed rebellion or The Story in a Mini-Capsule of an Iraqí Frankestein --- Or an Iraqí body is trying to reintegrate itself (with the effort carried out by the head to find upper extremities) OR the head of an Iraqi brigade is looking to get fire arms for its soldiers/freedom fighters/rebels.

Source author: Eric Suzán Reed esuzan@sre.gob.mx

Ambiguity is a trait of Chinese Culture --- As Biljana has stated in the reading, Chinese language is full of ambiguities. Michael Pillsbury writes: “One of the first things a student of Chinese language learns is its essential ambiguity...“.

Ambiguity (and deception) is as well a feature of traditional Chinese strategy. Pillsbury share with his readers: “In the 1940s, an effort was funded by the U.S. government to understand the Chinese mind-set... in... studies... 150 Chinese emigrants in New York’s Chinatown were shown Rorschach inkblot cards. The researchers, who included Nathan Leites, Ruth Benedict, and Margaret Meade, also analyzed the themes of Chinese popular books and films. One conclusion that emerged was that the Chinese did not view strategy the same way Americans did... those of Chinese ethnic origin... favor... ambiguity and deception... Chinese literature and writings on strategy prized deception.”

Pillsbury, Michael, THE HUNDRED-YEAR MARATHON. China’s Secret Strategy to Replace America as the Global Superpower, Henry Holt and Company, New York, 2015, pp. 5-6, 10-11 & 59.

Source author: Eric Suzán Reed esuzan@sre.gob.mx

I'll think about it --- In the Japanese Language, when they say "Chotto kangai shimasu" (meaning I'll think about it) after a discussion or a business proposal, it is not a good sign as they actually mean the answer is NO, but it can on an off chance mean they may think about it. Would this be an example of a performative?

There is also a hissing sound they make , with a tilt of the head which signifies a high level of uncertainity. Would this be an example of signalling that is culture specific? I feel i misunderstood the meaning of signalling in Modeule 6.

Source author: Mamta Reid liveandsmile@hotmail.com

New --- The newest one in the US is so silly, yet potentially so harmful. "Let´s go Brandon" is a new dog-whistle by the extreme right and is code for let´s harm Biden!

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

again --- again, "over a period of time" could mean one minute, or eternity, or anything in between!

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

level --- the level can mean the amount, or the type, or even the way in which they are sent

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

Long term --- Long term can have very many, very long, interpretations...

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

Three questions --- The main clause is that discussions will begin immediately.

The most embedded is "in the framework of the agreement..."

And, the additional modifiers are the "positions of the framework", "disengagement" and "under the auspices of the UN"

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

any other??? --- "...any other areas" can refer to any other Olympic areas, but it can also mean any area at all - in the nation, the world or the universe!! This could be maliciously interpreted someday to halt a political demonstration anywhere and everywhere!

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

or --- Or smart, for that matter!

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

underspecification --- - "does not seek" (but could do if asked or required?) - "a long-term policy of arms sales" (but what about a short or medium term policy?) - arms sales will not exceed level of those supplied in recent years (which years specifically? which quantitative and qualitative terms?) - intends to reduce gradually... leading over a period of time (1 year, 20, 100?)

Source author: Alejandra Mayela Martinez Silva ammartinez@sre.gob.mx

Weapons of mass destruction related programme activities --- This could refer to anything from an academic conference about other countries' possesion of WMD, to the actual construction of a WMD.

Source author: Alejandra Mayela Martinez Silva ammartinez@sre.gob.mx

Five years --- I served for five years in Beijing and through my study of Mandarin (and the patient explanations of close friends!) came to learn how much they love and use these homophones. Many hilarious ones were circulated during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, in which apparently meaningless words became funny - many times politically incorrect - jokes.

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

Israel/Egypt Six-Point agreement --- 1. The main clause of the statement is that both parts agreed to begin discussions. 2. The most embedded clause is "the disengagement and separation of forces", that seems to be the final and distant objective of the agreement to start discussions to settle the question of the return to X positions. 3. under the auspices of the UN is a subordinate clause, that may modify the disengagement and separation of forces, or the framework of agreement that refers to those activities or even the discussions that both parts agreed to start immediately, though in that case the last phrase should have been separated by a comma (separation of forces, under the auspices of the UN)

Source author: Alejandra Mayela Martinez Silva ammartinez@sre.gob.mx

Indeed --- Indeed, I think that "constructive" or "destructive" ambiguity are in the eyes of the beholder. What one sees as deliberate ambiguity used for constructive ends, might be seen by another as pure and calculated deception!

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

Olympic areas --- The differentiation of "Olympic areas" in "Olympic sites, venues or other areas" seems to provide room for maneuvering for the authority in charge of controlling demonstrations and all sorts of propaganda. One could argue that "other areas" could be any place, probably within the scope of the whole hosting city? or country? and not necesarilly linked to the Olympics. It seems excesive wording, since "sites and venues" probably could cover all Olympic facilities.

Source author: Alejandra Mayela Martinez Silva ammartinez@sre.gob.mx

Each has its place --- I believe that ambiguity and precision do not necessarily negate one another, nor that one has to choose only one form. On the contrary, I think of them as both being very useful and, when used wisely, even complementing each other. Use precision when an item being discussed is not for negotiation, and use ambiguity when different interpretations (or misinterpretations!) could be to your advantage.

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

Numerous --- There are numerous ambiguities here. Firstly, the implication that a diplomat is a man (and, by implication ONLY a man), which would have been perfectly understood in the 16th-17th centuries, would raise eyebrows nowadays. Second, that he is sent abroad to lie is open to many and varied interpretations (not least the literal meaning of a lie versus another interpretation, and thirdly "for the good of his country" is also left wide open to be interpreted in many ways.

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

80 percent --- I think I mentioned this quote in a previous HT, but it´s relevant again here: the old saying that "life is 80% perception and only 20% reality" - it´s food for thought at least.

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

Hope --- I hope he´s not claustrophobic, because that´s a "tight case!"

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

Happy --- I am reminded here of the old expression "happy and gay" which, in a previous context used to mean "happy and merry" but in the current context means "happy and homosexual"!

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

CBMs --- CBMs as said are important for the prevention of further escalations of the conflict and confidence building as the name suggest and can be good ground for the future binding agreements/conventions for cyber protection and further cooperation between the states, but their current nature is about only preparation for future agreements and collaboration.

Source author: Mustafa Yaasin Sheik mysheik@hotmail.com

Zero-day exploitations --- The computer security vendors nowadays perform a sandboxing which has a incredibly powerful, to better understand the nature of the zero-day vulnerabilities and their exploitation by individuals, but still some of the major attacks exploited vulnerabilities at the zero-day, for example the WannaCry ransomware attack exploited a Microsoft Windows vulnerability that had been discovered and exploited; conventions may also cover the exploitation of the zero-day responsibilities to the vendor. Which can reduce the release of the an studied products.

Source author: Mustafa Yaasin Sheik mysheik@hotmail.com

False Flag --- that what I am worrying, in case some of the attackers use the false flag of another nation to deceive, misguide or deflect attribution to an uninvolved party, the difficult on the technical proof of the attacker identity may be the biggest challenge for any country depending on the technical capacity, skills and the investment in the cybersecurity sector, most attributions can be politically motivated accusations.

Source author: Mustafa Yaasin Sheik mysheik@hotmail.com

Ironic!!! --- It is regrettable to note that the "economic sanctions are an alternative to war" theory is just a rhetoric on some member states of the global community. There are a lot of uncalled for instances whereby despite sanctions being imposed upon targets, states like the US would still feel the need to arbitrarily embark on military action, mostly unilateral invasions against other states instead of opting for the globally accepted means as tools to the application of economic diplomacy in international relations.

Source author: Malefetsane Dominic Mosala mosalalaw@gmail.com

Are sanctions always affecting directed parties? --- The punishment effect of sanctions do not always pinch the parties they are intended for but rather the innocent masses who may happen to be the very victims of acts that warranted the imposition of such sanctions to their governments. The case of Zimbabwe plays a relevant example in this regard. The impact of the sanctions imposed in 2003 and earlier by some Western nations, including the United States, because of election rigging and human rights abuses, are derailing the country economy’s recovery. The people of Zimbabwe are now bearing the consequences of the punishment intended for the then President Mugabe even when he is no longer in power, let alone alive.

Source author: Malefetsane Dominic Mosala mosalalaw@gmail.com

I wonder if you and the class know that Pakistan did not... --- ...extend MFN status right from the time WTO came into existence. Thus it enjoyed a unilateral benefit from India, and that balance was restored with the action taken in 2019....Thus, India restored reciprocity with that.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Knowledge broker & policy brief --- En general, decision-makers do not have the time nor often the capacity to read scientific articles. For decision-making to be informed by scientific results, the results must be presented in a format and vocabulary that is easily understood. Today, there are professionals called knowledge brokers whose role is to write policy briefs for decision makers.

Source author: Désiré NEBOUA dneboua@yahoo.fr

Research funding --- I think that scientific research in the context of developing countries is generally driven by available international funding rather than national priorities. National funding to support research on national priorities is insignificant. Therefore, scientists are more likely to conduct research that will allow them to get published and gain visibility, even if this research does not fit with national priorities

Source author: Désiré NEBOUA dneboua@yahoo.fr

Need to know more I guess --- Actually @Maxime I didn’t say I wasn’t qualified, but rather that I am unsure. I guess it would depend on the topic (sustainability, use of AI and other emerging tech for supply chain optimisation, circular economy and waste management for example) and the organisations involved both on the scientific and policymaking side. Also I believe it is a matter of trust and having built the right relationships within the network..

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

Open science --- Perhaps the concept of open science has not yet been popularized in non science and/or non academic circles? Or is this "not accessible to policy actors" further stressing the ambiguity of scientific language to the non science community?

Source author: Kiconco Patricia kictricia@gmail.com

Scientists and policies in Uganda --- Politicians are loudest in policy-making here in Uganda. While scientific research is growing and we have more science resources available to guide decisions, having science inform policies is not well accomodated. There is a large divide between science and policy that we are just realizing and attempting to fix for example in fields of computer science, health, environmental science, tourism among others. The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the first instances where we had scientific evidence directly considered by the policy actors, but even then, final decisions erred more to the side of political (economic etc) benefits for the main stakeholders in policy-making who are politicians.

Source author: Kiconco Patricia kictricia@gmail.com

Not such a laudable goal indeed --- I really doubt this is laudable. Policy-making should be understood and explained rather than being occulted, the science component of all decision-making processes should be explicited, as well as all other considerations that pertain to policy-making. This is essential for democracy. The difference between science-based or evidence-based policy-making is a subtlety, decision-makers have to admit in transparency the reasons of their decisions, and clearly differentiate the ones that are scientifically based (or evidence-based) and the ones that are not.

Source author: Patrick Furrer Patrick.furrer@smartfree.ch

Antagonism --- Depolitizing a political process like policy-making is probably impossible to do. I would rather understand this oxymoron as "demystifying" policy-making, or "explaining" policy-making.

Source author: Patrick Furrer Patrick.furrer@smartfree.ch

Making sense --- To address a common problem with several (and different) interests at stake and a wide variety of stakeholders, collecting and taking into account scientific data is key for the development of a constructive dialogue, a meaningful exchange (thanks to an objective approach), in order to build trust and ensure that all actors are engaged as best as possible in the search for common solutions.

Source author: Aura Fossati aura.fossati@gmail.com

lack of understanding of science and policy --- Why do you think this problem is more prominent in your country?

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

AI-supported large-scale collective decisions --- You may be interested in this organization and the tools it develops: https://ought.org/ as it seems very in line with what you describe!

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

Qualifications --- Why do you think you are not qualified enough? What would change this?

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

Politics and policymaking --- Yes, I think you are right, Patricia. Here, the text refers to using science to depoliticize policymaking as the traditional perspective academics and practitioners had since the Enlightenment. Yet, as you see further in the text, it is important to understand that policymaking is political and must probably remain political. Political processes are essentially about comparing divergent interests and resolving conflicts of values and beliefs. In that light, the contribution of science must thus be seen as a support to political processes rather than a way to depoliticise them.

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

The role of culture --- Can you expand on how you perceive the importance of culture here? I think this is an interesting discussion avenue to explore.

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

EIPM --- Indeed, practitioners in the field have started to use evidence-informed much more frequently to more realistically describe the process and avoid setting wrong expectations.

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

Understanding science and policy processes --- To investigate why science and policy struggle to inform each other, i think it is crucial that the processes of both be taken into account and understood. In my country, science is highly politicized. The politics here limit science more than it enables R&D, and science informed policy making is still to a low scale. Scientists still have to understand the policy making process and ditto for policy makers and science .

Source author: Kiconco Patricia kictricia@gmail.com

The importance of global supply chains --- The development of global supply chains has been one of the greatest transformations of the world economy in recent decades, favored by the reduction of international transport costs, advances in information and communication technologies (ICT) and trade liberalization. I think MFAs should also consider this element in their path to conduct trade.

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

More details about the holistic approach --- Could you please explain more details about the MFAs holistic approach. My understanding on this issue is that to expand globally, governments must identify potential new markets, promote a country brand to encourage tourists, trading partners and investors; identify potential international audiences; have a good understanding on how culture impacts international markets; the economic and financial environment abroad and business trends.

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

Quality of communication & membership --- @Maxime it could be due to unclear communication (and not targeted) and/or lack of representation / inclusion in the task force membership (viewed as a “bunch of scientists” disconnected from reality or worse tied to “special interests”)

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

Using evidence and data, facts first - diplomacy for the Chair --- Indeed @maxime finding the balance between representation / inclusion and convergence / independence is another challenge. Using data in (almost) real time (with relevant sources and help from data scientists) will help build confidence. The role of the Chair (and secretary) of the task force in this regard is key. Her/his reputation and legitimacy should be strong, as it will help bring the inevitably divergent views and positions together, for the benefit of the purpose

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

Echoing Allies point and --- Adding to what Carlos just rightly mentioned, I would also say whatever strategy I will adopt and work I will put on to bring in the right stakeholders in the right time and for the right task with no favoourism involved, then comes the important part of communicating and phasing these strategies into implementations through the right audience. I think we can all agree on the many strategies being done at the national level and just saved with very little commitment or achievement.

Source author: Muna Zaqsaw zaqsaw.muna89@gmail.com

Failure to change --- The most obvious indicator would be failing to influence change of behavior. In other words, for an academic who is now in a policy role, the individual must see the touch of the work feeding into the government work. If nothing has changed, let's say in national policies, M&E processes or strategies then this means that this individual failed to inform the policy he/she was in charge of.

Having said that, it is also difficult, at least for a country like mine, to have an academic expert to take a policy role with the government. This person may come from scientific semi-governmental or national research organizations. People with more experience in the non-academic world.

Misuse of the input, may be taken as an indicator of the weak communication or language used in these dialogues or even worse: corruption am afraid, and that's a whole different story.

Source author: Muna Zaqsaw zaqsaw.muna89@gmail.com

Omicron variant --- Thanks Patrick for bringing this up, I was about putting it on the blog to have everyone's thoughts on this. I was so confused and annoyed by the news lately on this variant and the travel bans on certain countries while not other which shows no scientific base discussions being held and a strong political power taking charge. Correct me if I am wrong, the variant can evolve in any place it does not has to be transmitted from a certain origin. I will still actually take this topic to the blog home and seek other's opinion, this diverse group is rich with invaluable input that I would love to listen to.

Source author: Muna Zaqsaw zaqsaw.muna89@gmail.com

Two scenarios --- Failing to give a useful advice is a different scenario to that of the government not taking it into consideration. The latter can be an indicator of the lack of trust from the government towards this task force and the disrespect to the time and effort put into this.

While the former, should be expected and therefore planned against not getting to it. So inspecting why the government would not find decisions not useful and try to fix it before cascading to the government. If this failed, this is an indicator of lack of communication or what would be a massive failure lack of expertise-I doubt this would be the case.

Source author: Muna Zaqsaw zaqsaw.muna89@gmail.com

Diverse and integrated task force --- Many thanks for the structure of this module and for giving this exercise and case study.

The task force that I will compose would have experts of the topic; epidemiologists, will have practitioners, nursing representation, academics for communication and recent updates purposes. I will also add donors with scientific representations in their structure, so diplomats. Scientists with an experience in working in government but not currently working with the government, to ensure credibility and transparency. Industrial Medical representation would also be of an added value. I may also allow bringing science journalists.

I need a task force to be listened to.

Source author: Muna Zaqsaw zaqsaw.muna89@gmail.com

Double communication strategy --- I would go adopting a double communication strategy. One strategy internally oriented towards policymakers, while the second one should be tailored towards the exterior, targeting public users. The two strategies would be implemented through different means (policy briefings, internal leaflets, documents, policy recommendations vs social media, communication campaigns, user engagements). Policymakers would have the advantage of having a double communication input (as they could benefit also from the external communication campaign), and the message would be conveyed to key people more efficiently.

Source author: Vojko Bratina vbratina@katamail.com

Transparency & Freedom to communicate --- The key issue is to allow the scientific task force to communicate INDEPENDANTLY from the policy makers. The public needs to clearly see what are the scientific evidences (or the lacking evidences) to be able to distinguish what are the reasons for a given political decision, and to understand that the political decision-making is based on a much larger set of considerations than what science can offer.

Source author: Patrick Furrer Patrick.furrer@smartfree.ch

Mis-fit in oMicron Variant --- With the new oMicron variant, one clearly sees that government policies (like stopping air trafic to/from certain countries) are not based on scientific evidence. In that sense, the task force did not have time to assess the risk of this new variant, so the principal reason for this discrepancy is mis-fit in timeframes.

Source author: Patrick Furrer Patrick.furrer@smartfree.ch

listening to warnings.. --- Some countries, the best example, the president and the administration of US at the beginning of COVID did not listen to the warnings from WHO and mishandled US’s response to COVID. The president at the time avoided listening to government authorities/scientific experts as they proposed strategies for dealing with the pandemic early on and there were no actions taken until March 2020, which was too late. Many lives could have been saved if the administration did not do petty politics and did not listen to their uninformed associates.

Source author: Lakmini Premadasa lakminisurangika@gmail.com

Communicate scientific data effectively --- Désiré, I agree. Effectively communicating scientific evidences and results to policy-makers is an important issue. Often data are not easy to understand, not clearly presented, scientific papers take too long to read, specific terminology makes concepts difficult to grasp and all that undermines a rapid translation into policymaking. So that, data become unusable and are not taken into account. The process of translating the scientific evidences into an understandable and impactful format is key. Science diplomacy can be very useful in this sense and I also think researchers and policy makers should each learn the language of the other more.

Source author: Aura Fossati aura.fossati@gmail.com

Agree with Petal --- - Competing interests in Taiwan are easy to see in different policy discussion between different parties. - Difficult to communicate to others. Government needs to explain what and why they made the policy. If he policy lacks of evidence or poor with analysis, it might be failed.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

Working groups --- I think the task force should be organized as a different working groups, each collecting scientific data specific to the field of competence and related issues, discussing priorities or latest developments and drafting targeted strategies. Very regularly (depending on the urgency of the situation), the working groups should meet to share information, possible briefings and reports and "translate" the data so that they can be quickly understood by all stakeholders and integrated into the development of a global strategy and an evolving action plan that government and diplomatic representatives would communicate to decision-makers in order to ensure adapted and effective policies

Source author: Aura Fossati aura.fossati@gmail.com

Wide range of experts --- The task force must include experts who can cover all the necessities and stages of a health crisis situation. Researchers in the field of health (epidemiologists, virologists, physicists ...) to collect and analyze data to understand the virus and its functioning, to develop new technology and innovative solutions to contain and cure it. Medical practitioners who can provide concrete and case-specific information on a regular basis on trends, evolutions, specific needs and other relevant aspects within healthcare facilities. Psychologists and sociologists who can assess possible behavior reactions related to the current situation, in-place and new measures and restrictions, as well as provide data and strategies in order to preserve well-being and mental health. Economists who can look into possible statistical models and provide projections on the consequences of exceptional measures/restrictions and assess the risks and benefits in the short, medium and long term. Private-sector representatives from national companies to assess needs, opportunities and challenges on the supply chain and manufacturing processes for health technologies and medical goods. Government representatives from different ministries, diplomatic practitioners and communication experts in order to communicate effectively, maintaining public trust and tackling misinformation.

Source author: Aura Fossati aura.fossati@gmail.com

Science communication --- Yes, to go further, I recommend these tools/resources: https://gspi.ch/kb/

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

Task force composition --- Thanks for detailing on how you would structure this task force! My question would be: how do you navigate the trade-off between increasing task force diversity and representation of interests VERSUS preserving the task force's independence/objectivity?

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

Factors --- Thanks! What would explain your last point?

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

Task force composition --- Thanks for detailing on how you would structure this task force! My question would be: how do you navigate the trade-off between increasing task force diversity and representation of interests VERSUS preserving the task force's independence/objectivity?

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

Boundary objects --- I think this is an excellent strategy. For more tools of this kind, I recommend this page: https://gspi.ch/kb/

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

Indicators --- What may explain factor 4?

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

Failures --- To what extent are your 3 points simply a function of time constraints?

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

Challenges --- I think your points make a lot of sense. What is commonly discussed in the literature on evidence-based policymaking is the phenomenon of 'cherry-picking evidence' based on one's interests/goals/beliefs instead of adopting a more neutral approach. But can a political actor be only driven by science? At the end of the day, science often does not provide normative stances, but rather evidence/technology to enable people to reach their goals. How to resolve this tension?

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

Legitimacy of science --- Yes, I think here we're hitting an important topic related to the science-policy interface. Essentially, scientific facts are not sufficient. They don't speak for themselves. They need legitimacy, which requires truthful and simple communication. This observation is in tension with the academic tradition of not wanting to be involved in political debates. The question then is: do political issues like COVID-19 require academia to change its incentives? Or do we need to create different professions that are better fit-for-purpose?

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

Short term vs long term --- One of the biggest problems with dealing with the climate change is not just understanding the scientific part. It is the moment when the action plan confronts the agenda of the decision-makers and politicians who get their mandate in general elections. It is hard to persuade the general population to change their habits and to give up comfort. So the only solution in the long run is education. The only problem is that we need to make some important changes now.

Source author: Nikola Bozic nikolab@diplomacy.edu

Expert involvement --- Thank you all for your comments. It is interesting to read how your lists include not only experts but also people who, you think, should have a voice at the decision table. What does that mean for the contribution of science? Is science only a voice among others / can it be compared to interest groups?

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

Allies --- Improving communication with clearer documents and media tools is important, but one of the most important strategies is to find which actors are more prone to use and support science. Evaluating speech, background, proposals and behavior of ppoliciy makers and selecting better ones for making a direct approach will help to improve engagement

Source author: Carlos Arturo Garcia Bonilla carlos.garcia@cancilleria.gov.co

Results --- Clear, measurable, traceable and transparent policies directly linked to scientific input are the only way to know if that input is really working

Source author: Carlos Arturo Garcia Bonilla carlos.garcia@cancilleria.gov.co

Misuse --- The main indicator of misuse is partial quotation for legitimation personal positions. When a study is not used as a whole, and specially when its conclusions are omitted, usually means that somebody is deliberately trying to distort it for supporting particular interests

Source author: Carlos Arturo Garcia Bonilla carlos.garcia@cancilleria.gov.co

5 commissions --- I would propose 5 commisions: Commission 1 Medical Experts Policies for Medical response to the virus Virologists, epidemiologists, etc

Commission 2 Socio-econnomic experts Policies for Keeping wellbeing Psychologists, sociologists, economists, cultural experts, etc.

Commission 3 Policies feasibility and implementation Evaluating implementation of policies from the legal, political, and societal point of view Political scientist, lawyers, civil society representants (workers, youth, gender, indigenous), private sector, etc.

Commission 4 Communications Communicating and publicizing policies Publicists, Media experts, influencers, tech experts, journalists, etc.

Commission 5 Follow up Gathering information for feeding back implemented policies Data scientists, sociologist, epidemiologist, data scientists, etc.

Source author: Carlos Arturo Garcia Bonilla carlos.garcia@cancilleria.gov.co

Religious/ social institutions --- having the trust of religious/ social leaders would go a long way when reaching out to the conservative communities

Source author: George Thomas georgethomasdesk@gmail.com

Science communication is key --- Yes, I cant agree more. A person like Fauci who can gather the trust of people and communicate what needs to be done backed up by scientific evidences is the key to successful cooperation of public to the crisis

Source author: George Thomas georgethomasdesk@gmail.com

Policy advice to the government --- They need to define the question first. What is the first priority question to solve? They don't have any long-term research time to collect data and evaluation.

The advice needs to be based on the evidence. They transform the data into policy in different formats. Not only in report documents, they probably need to translate their advice into graphics and make it easier to read.

They need to short, medium and long term evaluation and assessment the risk and impact to different industries.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

Comms experts --- I so much agree with Petal that this team by all means must include comms experts. Solid science - as we all have experienced in the last two years - does not suffice.

Source author: Tereza Horejsova terezah@diplomacy.edu

My strategy --- Scientific knowledge, when not presented in a form that can be easily understood by policy makers, cannot be used to support decision making. One strategy is to present scientific evidence in the form of policy briefs, easy to read and understand, with clear recommendations.

Source author: Désiré NEBOUA dneboua@yahoo.fr

Cyber security to boost direct investments --- On top of boosting export, a qualified labour force, coupled with an efficient cyber security policy, the protection of CI and a strong internet network, provide a favourable and secure framework for direct investments. Security and trust are comparative advantages.

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

Personal responsibility --- It should be primarily the responsibility of the companies and individuals to take basic measures to protect themselves against cyber crimes. This is the first level of the cyber security strategy. Awareness campaigns, IT education or other framework conditions and tools should be implemented by governments to enable companies and individuals to protect themselves.

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

Cybersecurity as integral part of the National Security --- Due to the escalating cyber attacks targeting the critical infrastructures and the peoples dependence on the internet on the critical supply chains during COVID19 era, every nations in recognizing the importance of the national strategy in the cybersecurity as an integral part of the national security, the strategies normally integrate the best for the country resource both in the private and the public, building the capacity of the staff and reducing the nations skills gap and the framework for the incidence response, in our Country Somalia it was developed recently a draft national cybersecurity strategy and the CERT was estibleshed recently.

Source author: Mustafa Yaasin Sheik mysheik@hotmail.com

National CERTS --- Most of the CERTS from the Africa seems that they exist on name only without any capacity to do the necessary assessment, and collaboration with the other CERTS, so it will be useful considering the capacity building and governments invest with the relevant skills and equipment to build an effects national CERT.

Source author: Mustafa Yaasin Sheik mysheik@hotmail.com

separation of Duty --- In the same way, how every stakeholder focuses on their strengths, the duty is separated between the stakeholders to avoid the knowledge centralized. Similar to the separation of duty, this policy declares that no single person has all of the details needed to perform a particular function

Source author: Alan Kaheri Chavez Castro itsupportirl@sre.gob.mx

Must avoid the copy & paste --- As each country have it own specificity, copying from other country is not an effective or good idea.

The strategy development require a multistakeholder participation based on the needs of the country.

Developing countries need assistance from international instance to develop its own strategies.

Source author: Ioniarimalala RAKOTONIRINA ioniarimalala@gmail.com

Trump's ineffective rhetoric against Mexico --- It was May 31st 2018, when the United States government announced the imposition of tariffs on Mexican steel and aluminum and on steel imports from Canada and the European Union. The Mexican government announced immediately it will respond with equivalent measures on various products such as flat steel products, lamps, pork legs and shoulders, cured meats and prepared foods, apples, grapes, cranberries and some cheeses, among others, for a comparable amount. The Ministry of Economy reiterated that those measures would prevail until the U.S. government eliminated the tariffs on our steel and aluminum. Mexico rejected Trump’s offensive rhetoric used to contain immigration coming from Central America, a problem, which to this day has not been resolved despite past conservative threats and a brand new US administration.

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

Economic sanctions a double-edge sword --- In a globalized world the economic sanctions imposed by the most powerful states, far from solving the problems, are a double-edged sword to the extent that sanctioned countries can resort to different options that not only open up the door to diversify their exports, but also strengthen other economies as China or South Korea to the detriment of countries such as the United States or even the European Union.

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

The case of Myanmar --- I would also like to highlight the coup orchestrated by Myanmar army. Although the international community has condemned these attacks against the civilian population, which violates human rights and weakens democracy, the actions to date continue with civilian detentions, internet service suspended and a state of emergency. Myanmar is a clear example of the ineffectiveness of sanctions, despite US threats to impose greater sanctions that at the time, were reversed by the Obama administration (2011).

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

Nord Stream 2 --- Good example, Mavis, although Germany argues that Nord Stream 2 would not endanger EU gas supply and energy security. The fact is that Europe is going through a big energy crunch which tends to get worse in upcoming years. Their investment on renewable energy is in line not only with environmental goals, but also security concerns. The problem is that their development and uptake may not move fast enough.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

re. Ineffective --- The degree of pressure that economic sanctions can impose on the government and/or targeted elites varies considerably. It depends on a myriad of factors, such as the political and economic power of the state applying sactions, the resilience of the targeted state, its network of allies, etc. I would not generalise and say that sanctions are ineffective in terms of exerting pressure on targeted actors, but I do agree that the pressure from 'the bottom-up' that you mentioned (social discontentment and mistrust) is very important and somewhat overlooked.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Example? --- Tarniem, could you provide an example in order to make the situation you are envisioning more clear?

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Re. competition in the domain of technology --- This is true. In addition, most of the emerging technologies are of dual use, and present both civilian and military applications. In spite of that, there is an escalation in measures related, for example, to export controls, particularly in the US, motivated by a dispute for technological supremacy with China.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

re. challenges of oil producers --- This is true, Tarniem. However, the rollercoaster in oil prices over the last decades has brought into sharp relief the structural weaknesses in many of the major exporters. In addition, there is a considerable push to move towards more sustainable sources of energy. This export/import model you mentioned could be seriously disrupted in decades to come.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Re. MAD --- Indeed, Ricardo. Even if war can be seen as a 'continuation of politics by other means', as affirmed by Clausewitz, the systemic effects and irreversibility of weapons of mass destruction (and dangers related to escalation of armed conflicts) mean that other strategies should be put in place to achieve foreign policy objectives. Resorting to economic sanctions seemed like a possible way forward in this scenario.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Re. state enterprises --- That's a good observation, Ricardo. In fact, the enterprises do not need to be run by the State in a strict sense. Many very important companies are not run by the State in China, for example. Nevertheless, the State (and the communist party) are the guides for action, so when the government takes a stance on something, the companies tend to adjust and follow that position, even if they are not strictly obliged to do so.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

IGF 2021 --- As an important global multi stakeholder platform, I think the most important part of the IGF is that it brings delegation from different backgrounds as equals and consolidates outcomes all the discussions, processes related to the Internet Policies without any commitment, it is more information sharing and capacity building and networking opportunity. This year the IGF 2021 will be organized in Poland On December 6 - 10, 2021, with online participation opportunity.

Source author: Mustafa Yaasin Sheik mysheik@hotmail.com

even the developing nations governments --- Not only the IGO and NGOs but also the governments from the developing word mostly lagging behind at the discussions on the matters related to the Internet governance and the cybersecurity discussion in the multilateral forums, and very true this requires an investment in time, skills and human resource and interest, as most of them this issue as secondary and unimportant issues and focusing the basic livelihood challenges. as a matter of fact, the only African union's convention on cybersecurity and personal data protection adopted in 2014 is not in force due to the lack of meaningful participation of the states during the drafting and the discussions and the skepticism after the approval to rectify it.

Source author: Mustafa Yaasin Sheik mysheik@hotmail.com

Hardware vulnerabilities and risks --- In the course we mostly talk about software vulnerabilities, but what about hardware vulnerabilities? Especially in hardware components that are produced by only 3-4 firms globally (semi-conductor industry, chip manufacturing). How frequent are attacks based on hardware vulnerabilities/faults in comparison to software vulnerabilities? I can recall the Huawei 5g equipment example in this context.

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

Implementation --- I've found there is a lot of frameworks, information, policies and so on all ready developed by several communities, organization, states, etc. as this text said "Regulatory frameworks", there is a lot of them and of course some complemented each other, I am thinking about a "Lego blocks" where we take what is fitting in our environment and projects. But like "ISO" we should take this good practices and get certified like ISO does.

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

RE: 21st century --- @Vladimir : It's still not obsolete, probably because there are literally war 'industries' and lucrative businesses around it. Sad reality.

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

Blurred --- With attribution still challenging to unequivocally proved in cyber-attacks, invoking NATO's article 5 has really to be taken very seriously. So the case-by-case basis and the reporting to UN Security Council are relevant as precautionary measures.

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

Jorden Peterson /Cathy Newman --- This was brilliant. I had to listen to it a number of times to get it myself. The question was loaded.

Peterson answers her question and then quickly reframes. He not only uses grace and force with his words but also with his body language and voice/tone (is this correct?). From calm to angry with both voice, tone and a stern facial expression and back to calm with a smile and warm words, "No, but you see what I mean"...

Source author: Mamta Reid liveandsmile@hotmail.com

Big men --- This presupposes that Annan fears the leaders, the 'big men'.

Annan gently and calmly rejects the faulty premise by using the NOTxBUTy method as well as the ABC : "I don't fear them, (but) I worry about them in our world and the problems they can cause for us. Honestly, when I refer to the need for cool heads and sober judgments, I am talking to all of them."

Acknowledgment + NOTxBUTy - I don't fear them, I worry about them. Bridge - the problems they can cause for us Comment - when I refer to the need for cool heads,... ... B -

He also uses his smile and laughter very well.

Source author: Mamta Reid liveandsmile@hotmail.com

Loaded questions --- Are you really going to defy me or are you planning on having some courage to tell your friends that drinking at 16 is not your thing?

Are you really thinking of not attending the round table?

Source author: Mamta Reid liveandsmile@hotmail.com

Price! --- This is factive because of the use of: I have heard, I think, I mean. The presupposition is that Madeleine Albright believes that killing children has a worth, a price and the only question is, Was it worth it or not?

Reframing: Sanctions are a part of our diplomatic efforts to protect America's national security interests and they will be lifted once we see that the threat no longer applies to us....

She could have focused on the sanctions and moved away from the children completely.

Source author: Mamta Reid liveandsmile@hotmail.com

very intersting --- Yes, we see this all the time and yet, easy to fall prey. At the same time, as you have said it may be necessary to facilitate a decision. Very intersting Alejandra.

Source author: Mamta Reid liveandsmile@hotmail.com

figure? --- Is this supposed to be 'feature' or is it actually meant to be 'figure'? If the latter, I don't quite catch the meaning.

Source author: Mamta Reid liveandsmile@hotmail.com

Western Civilisation --- Excuse my ignorance - is 'western' the word that makes this a factive sentence?

Source author: Mamta Reid liveandsmile@hotmail.com

redefinition --- #3 implies that there was a previous definition of the dynamics between countries and now there is a different definition.

Source author: Mamta Reid liveandsmile@hotmail.com

minimising conflict --- #2 implies that modern Diplomacy's aim is to build relationships for a positive outcome and to minimize conflict.

Source author: Mamta Reid liveandsmile@hotmail.com

modern diplomacy --- The sentence implies that there is an old diplomacy and a modern diplomacy. Emphasizing that the latter has been successful and there is proof of it.

Source author: Mamta Reid liveandsmile@hotmail.com

Examples - NOT X BUT Y --- Hello Biljana,

I found her entire speech powerful and for the life of me could not understand why there weren't more 'Yay' votes. I digress. The following sentences are some examples I was referring to:

(text within the * symbol denotes preemptive speech construction)

"This is not about me, this is not about Rep. Gosar but this is about what we are willing to accept.

"Not just the Republican leader but other members of this party (including Representative Gosar himself), the illusion that this is just a joke, that what we say and what we do does not matter so long as we claim a lack of meaning..."

The above sentences were meant to give a clear visual to her colleagues as to why they should vote in favour of Rep. Gosar's censorship. There is recognition of the current 'illusion' and then she offers 'reality'.

Source author: Mamta Reid liveandsmile@hotmail.com

Precision is guaranteed --- to cause offense in Ireland! It's like an Irish mother walking into the next room, shutting the door softly and sighing." What could possibly be wrong? You're toast! The Irish still have that tribalistic gene where if you upset someone, let alone Sinn Fein, they will never talk to you again and you will never be told why. Considerable diplomatic acumen is always required and hence ambiguous language to provide wiggle room, buy time and more.

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

Sugar and salt --- You read my mind, Desirée and rephrased the sentence that followed! Constructive ambiguity is another of those sugar-coated compounds that needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, if I may mix my metaphors!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

@Andrej: "professional artists" --- Yes, there were and there are such artists in contemporary authoritarian regimes, having more or less the same use as in the Middle Ages.

However, we should not be 'primed' to misjudge their condition. The great artists of the Renaissance were serving the rich people in power. The Popes, Kings, Dukes of the Middle Ages were fierce despots, even if cultivated, warriors, sanguinary tyrants etc.

Many of the artists we admire now, Da Vinci, Rafael, Michelangelo included, were paid by someone rich or in power.

Louis XIV, le roi soleil, used official painters like Charles le Brun, or Pierre Mignard. David was the official painter of Napoleon, and many other used their talents to paint in flattering ways his big family, brother, sisters etc. Goya was the court painter for king Charles IV. The list can go on.

On the contrary, the penmen who disapproved or criticized the kings and emperors had big problems. See the exile of Voltaire or Victor Hugo, for example.

The Easter European authoritarian regimes were not very original, after all.

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

"Professional artists" --- This comment of yours Petru reminded me of an 'institution' we had in former Yugoslavia under Tito's regime called 'professional artist' that consisted of bestowing regular monthly salary to many artists from different fields, regardless of how good they were at what they did, and how much art would they be eventually 'create'.

It began back in the '50-ies when they were expected to engage in propaganda to glorify 'revolutionary achievements' of the Communist Party, but as of early '70-ies this 'propaganda element' was replaced by a mere expectation to not criticise the Party, i.e., they were paid to keep their mouths shut.

Not sure if this existed in other communist regimes, but I think it's a telling sign of how authoritarian regimes are aware just how fragile they are and how they need to 'bribe' individuals capable of critical thinking (and acting).

Source author: Andrej Skrinjaric andrejs@diplomacy.edu

Post 2007 --- They will not tolerate demonstration in any form to emancipate from the walls of the Olympic and beyond and to distance the IOC from any association/promotion of political controversies.

Source author: Hervé Pool erve619@gmail.com

Lie or be economical with the truth? --- My interpretation (albeit rather funny) is that a diplomat is someone who is posted abroad to go on a holiday at the taxpayer's expense. Lie as in lie down....

Since Ambiguity is on the agenda, Wotton also said.....“Tell the truth so as to puzzle and confound your adversaries"..

Source author: Hervé Pool erve619@gmail.com

Prime - other examples --- In found in my "Brewer. The Dictionary of Phrase & Fable", Wordsworth Reference, 1993, other two examples.

Prime: In the Catholic Church the first canonic hour after lauds. In Paradise Lost, Milton terms sunrise 'that sweet hour of prime'.

Primed: Full and ready to deliver a speech. We say of a man whose head is full of his subject. "He is primed to the muzzle." Of course, the allusion is to firearms. [sic!]

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

My ancestors were witty --- There is no gender construction in my mother tongue, Chichewa.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

Premise for context --- It is interesting that the Treaty gives premise of context for interpretation of the treaty. This was great. I should also suggest that in pre-negotiation or in negotiations for negotiations stage of negotiations, the parties should strive to formulate adequate background to negotiation agenda items to act as context or reference points in negotiations. For instance, Iran nuclear talks have resumed with scepticism because of diversity of contexts in which negotiating parties have entered into the exchanges.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

Language and culture --- There are many times different interpretations between native speakers and speakers whose language is not their mother tongue. Acquisition is affected by one's culture and that become a primary referent point. The differences of interlocuters' culture which includes first language, exposure to other party's culture et al creates some ambiguities and vagueness in interpretation. the lingua franca cannot encapsulate all semantics of any given lexicon.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

"Everything Was Forever.. --- Until it was no more." How apt for the times we live in? Covid has changed the world and continues on its march. Governments have more control wielding all kinds of powers along with the politicization of the pandemic for their own ends. Individualism is a mighty struggle (at least in the US)...bit by bit, freedoms that were taken for granted, such as freedom of speech, are no more,some would say, for the common good and others might say until they were no more! This is the "hypernormalisation" of a world rapidly becoming a vast abyss between power (governments, high tech, fake media) and the people.

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

"intends to reduce gradually" --- Buying time - what does "gradually," mean? Is there wiggle room in here to change the stated intention?

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

what is meant --- in this context by "long term?" How long exactly?

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

Thats a new one to think about! --- Thank you Biljani. I was referring to gifting clocks in a business setting...sorry, should have been clearer. Most business people do their research but I'm curious as to whether there's been an instance where the offensive gift was presented and the Chinese gave them a coin in return in a business setting...will find out!

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

Useful for increasing understanding to include an explanation of What is to be primed --- As the term is used several times in this reading and not everyone of us is already familiar with the concept, it would have being useful to include a precise explanation of what TO BE PRIMED means in order to avoid ambiguity taken place in the up take of some of us who ignore its meaning.

In my case I am only familiar with PRIMING as AN EFFECT OF THE NEWS on the audience, but -after checking its general common meaning in Internet and the sentences where the term is used in module 7 reading material and the CONTEXT that surrounds his use by Biljana- I am primed to believe the concept is used here in the reading under its more broad sense (which I lacked in my mind before begining the reading).

PRIMING is one of the few powerful effects that political scientists have been able to provide proof under rigorous experimental conditions: “capacity of the media to isolate particular issues, events or themes in the news (by giving them intense news coverage) as CRITERIA (citizens use) TO EVALUATE politicians… on job performance and assessment of political leaders’ (and candidates for office) personal traits” (Ansolabere, Stephen, Roy Behr & Shanto Iyengar, THE MEDIA GAME. American Politics in the Television Age, MacMillan Publishing Company, New York, 1993. pp.148-150 & 176-177)..

Source author: Eric Suzán Reed esuzan@sre.gob.mx

Fake News is a Pleonasm --- In response to Biljana’s question both the UK meme and the US cable news show reference the term ‘fake news’. The meme is not remotely comparable to ‘fake news’ it is published with malice, and I think it is defamatory and intended to harm the reputation of the politician.

In the case of the US cable newscaster this newscaster traffics in sensationalism at the direction of the cable news management. However, her audience believe she presents a truthful perspective. Her defense attorneys argued successfully that her audience does not believe it is news; the lawyers argued that the audience believes it is ‘fake news’ and consumed as entertainment.

As Humpty Dumpty said – "the word means just what the user chooses." If Mr. Dumpty had taken our class, in Language and Diplomacy, he would have described 'fake news' as a pleonasm. It is simply 'news'.

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

A harmless old girl --- Great counter-example, thanks! Predictably, the female variant has much more negative connotations - often used with 'harmless' just in case you were afraid of witches!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Smart drugs --- Thanks for this example! Smart sanctions work by analogy with smart drugs that target cancer cells and cause fewer side effects

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

more OCC more attacks? --- More OCC implies more attacks. Countries with such capabilities will need to try them, check their efficiencies, etc. On another note, I think no matter how fervently they pretend it is just for protection, it's still hard to believe in a super competitive global world that countries will refrain themselves from attacking first as the best way to defend/protect oneself.

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

Super specificity --- Yes, unlike bombs for example that will cause damage on any target, cyberweapon are super specific. That is probably the saving grace for the moment. If they had to be cheap and virtually capable of reaching anything anywhere, in addition to be universal, we would (probably) already be in an advanced level of destructions around the Globe.

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

RE: victims --- The socio-economic suffering is likely to trigger distressed that will in a way or another lead to violences. Once they are distressed, regular citizens are likely to go to extreme-lengths in order to survive...

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

Credibility --- It's very interesting to see how 'attributions' are judged unquestionable based on the credibility of the supporting countries regardless of how likely they could altogether "defame" or they could be influencing one another in unsuspected way for geopolitical reasons, 'collision of interests' (easier to publicly accuse a common suspect than publicly call-out an ally, etc.)

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