1st signpost for action --- This 'risk of not acting' plays into IFRC's first signpost of their four signposts for action which is 'the responsibilty to persuade'.

Source author: Cara Ceriani caraceriani@hotmail.com

Do no harm principle --- This is where the 'do no harm' principle comes into play and where a step needs to be taken back to look at any harm or risk to harm that our actions may directly or indirectly have on affected populations

Source author: Cara Ceriani caraceriani@hotmail.com

the cost of ineffective coordination within a govt. ... --- Very true @Tarniem, and all this subsequently leads to missed economic opportunities and adveresly impacts on development...

Source author: Omphile Sethunya Sedimo sedimosethunya44@gmail.com

indeed.. --- Covid-19 has severely affected tourism industry and subsequently the economies heavily reliant on the sector for revenue as well as the livelihoods of communities living around these areas. Hence the eagerness to roll out vaccines (although Africa is lagging behind due to vaccine equity), ensure Covid safety and return to economic activity as soon as practicable. However some countries have come up with promotional initiatives to lure back travelers despite the pandemic, an example is the recently launched Botswana Live, a virtual tour of some the country´s tourist attractions.

Source author: Omphile Sethunya Sedimo sedimosethunya44@gmail.com

Ambassador Kishan --- Ambassador

The Missions have been promoting tourism with assistance from local agents that were hired by the Tourism Organisation. The Tourism Organisation is now planning to end the contracts with the agents and bring tourism attaches to strategic missions

Source author: Lapologang Judah lapoduna@gmail.com

technical aid --- After graduating to upper middle income country in 2005, Botswana lost out on a lot of development aid that came from development partners/ donor countries, however , we still receive significant assistance in terms of technical aid to hospitals, schools, sport development etc

Source author: Lapologang Judah lapoduna@gmail.com

Diaspora --- I read an article online at http://country.eiu.com, that last year 2020 in Zimbabwe Diaspora remittances overtook foreign aid in the amount of money being contributed to the country’s economy. The Diaspora are reported to have sent home a total of $1billion, the highest ever contribution made to the local economy. The surge is said to be owing to the effect of the Covid19 as travel across borders was curtailed.

Source author: Lapologang Judah lapoduna@gmail.com

Top priority --- Being a landlocked country, small population of about 2.4million people, having a largely diversified economy, bordering big economies, Botswana has been working hard to shift the focus from the traditional domain of geopolitics to commercial ties and development cooperation –economic diplomacy in pursuit of economic sustainability

Source author: Lapologang Judah lapoduna@gmail.com

Interdependence --- There is growing interdependence between State and non State actors in promotion of economic diplomacy. Diplomats are required to prepare the ground and create a conducive environment for other actors to complete the process by bringing in their technical expertise on issues. Most diplomatic Missions are staffed with various attaches who cover sectors such as Health, Trade, Tourism etc

Source author: Lapologang Judah lapoduna@gmail.com

Nearly anywhere --- This is pretty much how it is everywhere with the so-called technical and development aids. There are good reasons why a lot of stakeholders locally and in the diaspora generally label it "neo-colonialism".

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

Leadership programmes --- Youth to mid-career professionals leadership programmes seem to have gained a wider momentum in recent years for Western Countries which use it as prospective approaches to ensure they "groom" the upcoming generations of influent professionals and experts will have the sensitivity and leaning to their interests... Those programmes have massively multiply and seem to even be a form of racing among foreign developed countries in developing ones.

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

Unexpected --- It is very recently that I realized that think tanks (generally political foundations or NGOs focusing on policies) were such strong practitioners of ED. German foreign affairs are a great example of that in my country and West Africa with their 60+ political foundations deeply rooted and sharp in the development policies yet looking very "quiet" and "unproblematic"

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

David, that my friend, is the sad story of so much... --- ...so-called 'technical assistance'....And that applies to such assistance that comes from the UN, WB, IMF and bilateral agencies. Usually, advisers from fellow-developing countries do better.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Lapologang, may I ask... --- ...what were Botswana's diplomatic missions doing, if not promoting tourism? Why not give real tasks to these missions?

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Very good. But... --- ...I would substitute for 'commercial', the word 'economic'.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Great. Any action to improve education facilities.... --- ...plus access to this from all levels of one's society is the right path.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

David, may I disagree? --- You might do better if you send home all the EATs, and charge Ambassadors with delivering results on trade and FDI....And of course help them fully for thsi work from home, including mobilizing Commerce Chambers, business and all manner of non-state players -- plus the key economic ministries.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Yes. Today we ignore our civil society, and the independent media... --- ...at serious risk to our governance, across the entire spectrum of national actions. In many countries, including India, we have now learnt that lesson. And yet, there are democracies that see their free press as the 'enemy'. Right?

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Our current per capita income is barely US$2000. --- We have vast deficiencies in terms of social indicators. Why?....It is a sad story of economic governance which has produced great heights, and yet left behind so many of our people.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

There are always issues with Technical Assistance --- In Kiribati, the issues with about 40% of experts in the last decade are as follows. 1. Commanders - they come in and tell us what to do as if our systems were totally wrong and ineffective since our independence. 2. Pacesetters - they insist we do what they thought is good for us and what they practised in their countries which of course were not applicable/appropriate due to many factors e.g. context/environment, culture, etc. 3. Unusable reports - they wrote reports that collected dusts on shelves as their language could be difficult to understand since English is our second language, and recommendations could be way over the practicality contextually.

Source author: David Ateti Teaabo david.teaabo@gmail.com

Environmental risk --- Then it is important to include social actors in government decisions; hear what the society has to say about the conservation of biodiversity, water management and the use of natural resources. In other words, decentralize State decision-making.

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

Could it be? --- In 2020 Mexico's GDP per capita was € 7,379 euros, with which it is world ranked 76th. Although it enjoys macroeconomic stability, it has not been able to combat poverty, improve security and education conditions. Amb. Rana, why do you consider Mexico more advanced than India?

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

Department of Economic Diplomacy --- Ambassador Rana, may I propose in Mexico a similar Department for the new MFA General Directorate of Global Economic Impulse, particularly for foreign trade regulations, electronic commerce and training on exports?

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

Little money big initiatives... --- Thanks Amb. Rana. We would like a specialized Unit as you proposed before. Nevertheless, with little money, we must be creative in this left-wind administration. ComerciaMX is the new platform to help SME's expand their activities in international markets. Diplomats are being trained for that purpose.

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

Commercial diplomacy concept --- I found interesting this definition of Commercial diplomacy by Visser, R and Ruel, H. "An activity carried out by state representatives that has as an objective to generate profits in the form of international trade and internal investment and external to the country of origin through business promotion activities and start-ups in the host country by providing information on opportunities for export and investment, maintaining contact with key players and maintaining work networks in relevant areas”. Visser, R., & Ruel, H. (2012). Commercial Diplomats as Corporate Entreprenuers: An Institutional Perspective. In H. Ruel, Commercial Diplomacy and International Business: A Conceptual and Empirical Exploration (pp. 29-71). Bingley : Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

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

Why not a specialized Unit for economic work in Mexico? --- On the contrary, Ambassador Rana, your ideas are very welcome. For the new leftist administration, the priorities are the reduction to the maximum of the bureaucratic apparatus, a new austerity policy and the redesign of foreign policy, so that diplomacy is focused on attracting investment to the country. For President López Obrador, ProMexico represented a squandering of public spending with specialists in promotion and foreign trade in around 60 offices that enjoyed salaries comparable to those of diplomats, when they could be trained to perform the same functions, so that a new specialized Unit would not be feasible. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has covered these spaces with young people who work for the General Directorate of Global Impulse who enjoy lower salaries while diplomats receive training, workshops and updates to do the work of ProMéxico from their respective embassies and consulates. The results of this initiative will be seen in the future.

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

Tourism Promotion --- Tourism has been a significant contributor to our GDP in Botswana and provides employment to our youth. In 2019, the sector contributed about 13,1% to Botswana’s GDP. As a result a decision was recently made by government to support the sector by deploying tourism officers to strategic diplomatic Missions to help with Tourism promotion. Previously the task was outsourced to private agents

Source author: Lapologang Judah lapoduna@gmail.com

I would argue that this can be done in multifaceted strategies ... --- ... e.g. a domestic and external economic diplomacy (ED) strategies.

Domestic means that a country can have domestic sectoral policies that attract huge interests of diplomatic friends/partners/donors who will fund the programmes/activities of these policies e.g. financing infrastructures, etc. This is what I witnessed in President Teburoro Tito's (3rd president of Kiribati) reformed education policy which attracted Australia to fund the infrastructure components of the policy, i.e. financing all school buildings throughout the country.

External is where the missions come in to facilitate and promote trade, investments, etc to the host country.

Source author: David Ateti Teaabo david.teaabo@gmail.com

I totally agree ... --- ... and would like to add also that they are decision makers when it comes to progressing objectives of the country's economic diplomacy (ED). Take the scenario of a Misison, for example, the Head of Mission (HoM) - whilst a facilitator of economic diplomacy - can also have the mandate from Capital to approve the Mission's tactics/strategies that achieve the objectives of ED. Thus, I would imagine that the EC objectives are part of a wider foreign policy (FP) which the HoM is mandated to implement at the mission's level.

Source author: David Ateti Teaabo david.teaabo@gmail.com

Again, totally agree ... --- ... but I would also add that they are the key technical advisers when posted in a mission overseas. I would expect an economic attaché (EAT) as the key implementer of the economic diplomacy (ED) stream of the country's foreign policy whilst also a technical adviser to the Head of Mission (HoM). I would expect the EAT to have effective networking with all domestic stakeholders mentioned in this para for an efficient ED strategy in a receiving State, whilst also having the same with stakeholders in the receiving State. The progress and achievements of the ED's objectives rests with the HoM.

Source author: David Ateti Teaabo david.teaabo@gmail.com

Absolutely right. --- And yet, so few pay attention to sound ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE, including my own country.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Great points, Tarniem. --- And do we remember the joy with which Arab Spring was first welcomed, especially in the West? And think of the price that Arab states have paid, starting with Libya, and Egypt.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Agree completely. --- Private remittance figures are under-estimated in much of the Global South, as a substantial portion of the money goes by 'Hawala' -- it is unrecorded, cheaper and far more efficient than formal bank channels....Traditional, versus the formal.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Many thanks. --- I am all for closer study of France's eco diplomacy. I do have some comments about this in this text, I think.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Mexico is a more advanced country, compared with India. --- ...In 1992, from Germany, working with my friend the Indian Amb in France, I worked to encourage OECD to send an official to New Delhi on an early prospection mission, laying the ground work with a senior colleague in the Indian MEA...The latter began a conversation with him by asking: Why have you come?....The problem: Even now, some of my Foreign Service colleagues find it hard to put aside the description of OECD as a 'Rich Man's Club'...We do so much to move beyond stereotypes....I wonder what my good friend Bipul might say about this....Bipul??

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Cecilia, this sounds.... --- ...much more relevant, compared with another of your HT comments. 'Global Economic Impulses' is good. Many thanks.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

A long-winded.... --- ...but an accurate description....Does anyone want to try and produce a simpler, shorter definition?

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Since this is a decision by the Mexican President... --- ...I hope I do not offend you if I say that a ML Dept is already loaded with a great deal of work. That surely applies to a country like Mexico that takes very seriously its ML obligations...Why not a special new unit for economic work, the more so after the demise of Pro-Mexico?

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Thanks. Would you please... --- ...give an example of any country that has tried this out? And to what result?

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Strange, in 35 years as a practitioner... --- ...and 26 more as a teacher-reseacher, I have not heard of this in any book or article....The legal framework for governance is established in other ways....Why should economic diplomats try to re-invent the wheel......Perhaps you may have in mind the turf-contestation that exists in many countries over who will handle economic work. That is a reality, but we muddle through this....If one tried to 'resolve' this in a formal way, it might only produce endless debate.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Ricardo Daniel, may I suggest that save in exceptional situations... --- ...every embassy today should partly have its main focus on economic diplomacy....Sure, in dealing with problem countries, political issues might also dominate....May I invite dissenters to please speak up?...We can engage in a cordial contest of viewpoints. Thanks.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Using AI & Machine Learning for good? --- @Tracy. As I have indicated, we should all be working for the common good of all and assuming there isn't any potential "loophole" or "exploitation" with this use of AI for skin tone accuracy then hooray. Be mindful that as some previous HTs have stated, good intentions can be manipulated by twisted minds for things never originally intended. So lets hope this is used as intended.

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

DDoS, 5G & Iot --- @Bennette, thank you for your feedback. I had only the greater bandwidth in mind, forgetting the significantly wider "audience" that 5G and IoT will produce....If a common cyber attack the last decade affected dozens of computers, a company network or so...with 5G & IoT we can come back home from work and also find our front door not opening, the oven in the kitchen turned on (fire risk), the fridge turned off (warm beer), coffee machine and various wearables hacked....more or less making our homes useless :)))

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

Traceability --- Interesting topic! As Tracy said, there are potent cyber-forensic capabilities...however maybe the question should be analyzed from the perspective of who was the victim of the attack!? Especially if the target of a severe attack was a person/organization/institution from a developing country, the forensic/investigation resources (human and technical) will be limited (probably only foreign expert help can assist for more successful investigation). The tools are here, however the digital divide, and the different levels of preparedness among states make things more problematic...This situation uncovers the need for a new international negotiation/framework... Why not create "international cyber investigation expert teams" that could be used by different countries (aside of the existing collaboration of law-enforcement agencies, Europol / Interpol and such...)? If one can "rent" hacking teams for conducting a cyber attack...why not "rent" cybersecurity investigation teams and services legally.

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

Waiting to happen --- @Kone. Then maybe its time for the good guys to get more aggressive and proactive; pre-emptive strikes?

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

changing the perspective --- It would seem from our many discourses that the "good guys" are always at the mercy of the "bad guys" - is there a way to change that dynamic where "good guys" develop futuristic or forward-looking tools to counter using AI? or does it have to be always reactive instead of proactive engagement?

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

DDOS and 5G --- @Nikolov. If we are told that 5G will be faster data transmission and greater bandwidth and some people see it as "4G on steroids'" - then I would tend to concur that it can be a nightmare scenario if we combine this kind of speed with AI in the hands of a hacker whose codes will likely be of greater efficiency and effectiveness at much faster speeds and bigger audience. Here comes the paradox of developing technology for the "common good" but can be misused?

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

IoT and Botnet/DDoS attacks --- With the expected rising, daily usage of various IoT devices and wearables, I suppose the opportunities for massive Botnet and DDoS attacks increase as there will be more available devices to attack/take control of !?.

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

DDos and 5G --- Will the launch of 5G services/devices create ground for more powerful DDos attacks, in sense - availability of greater bandwidth? Any feedback is welcome. Thank you.

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

cyberweapon --- @Kone. The issue of what constitutes a cyberweapon whether by design or not is not really the issue (although there is a rationale to your thought process); A knife was not originally intended for killing humans but as a tool for domestic use yet it can be transformed by the deranged mind to kill a fellow human being. The same principle applies is cyberwarfare. Codes can be developed for tracking and be easily transformed into a malware. However, there may be a silver lining where legislation may be enacted against the misuse of "designed" tools which can be specifically classified legally??

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

Physically nothing --- @Jorge. Good point re the issue of jurisdictional authority nd hence the need for collaboration and cyber-diplomacy in which either bi-lateral or multi-lateral agreements can help capture and prosecute these bad actors

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

lines of code --- @Kone. these codes have more effect that the limited commands of a Sargent :-) more lively a President

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

AI Race --- I agree with you @Bennette that the attacker will be one step ahead of defender.

As we aware of the attacker ecosystem, they are seem more cooperatives, sharing, working outside the box, and even support each others, where the defenders somehow working in silo, follow by standards and compliance, working within certain framework, and not easy to cooperate (culture, regulations, economy, ...)

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

Dual Use --- Agree on the dual use of the tool. Vulnerability assessment tool can be use for in-house team to find internal system weakness, but can also to find loophole of other party system vulnerability and then exploit it? Who know?

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

Is it REALLY easier? --- Excellent observation @Jorge. This is an issue that has always been of interest to me. On the one hand, we often say that technology affords the opportunity for greater levels of transparency, accountability and auditability but in the same breath, especially when it comes to cybersecurity attacks some say that it is more difficult to trace and find attackers and attack vectors DESPITE the excellent cyberforensic capabilities that exist. I wonder if the issue is one of "ease" or rather, one of the willingness to allocate/prioritize the appropriate budgets in this area. What do colleagues think about this?

Source author: Tracy Hackshaw TracyH@diplomacy.edu

Scammers and new tools --- Indeed, scammers are getting advanced: for instance, they use AI-driven translation to customise messages for certain regions - in the native language. While this works well for main languages, one can still see typical errors in less common languages (for instance, it is still rather easy to recognise a foreign scam prepared in Serbian - language is generally ok, but there are these little bits related to way you address people, the use of Cyrillic, etc, which reveals the scam).

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu

Safe driving and/vs IT usage --- Good analogy with safety while driving. Yet, we have specialised training and certification for driving; we don't have anything like that for using the Internet and IT devices - even though consequences of our misbehavior can be grave. Should we have such a thing - a driving license for using digital tools/cyberspace?

If so, should we have similar categories depending on possible effect/disaster our ignorance could cause? Eg. most of us would fall under the basic category (say 'A') which should only read some safety manuals; those whose devices are connected to SMEs and organisations would be category 'B' which would need to pass some anti-phishing and basic digital hygiene tests; 'C' would be for employees in public authorities, 'D' in critical infrastructure systems, and 'E' in defence and supercritical infrastructure, etc?

And who would be the 'cyber-policemen' that would control our 'seat-belts and speed' along our drive?

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu

Weapons convention - is it too early still? --- Bennette, I would say we are still in very early phases of negotiations about cyberstability. There is no agreement on common understanding of some of the major terms and concepts among countries - and, furthermore, most countries don't have their own positions and understanding of those concepts yet (which is a precondition for meaningful negotiations). For instance, how international law applies to cyberspace, or how should the attribution be done, etc.

It is also hard to control cyber-weapons, as they are nothing by the code: one can't track them or inspect them, they are dual-use, they are based on vulnerabilities in commercial systems, which have their due date, etc. There were (are) some attempts such as the Wassenaar Arrangement as Eduardo mentions below, that we will discuss later in the course, but without much effect.

At the same time, stakes weren't high enough for cyber-attacks to cause risk to international peace, and major powers benefited from lack of clarity and lack of clarity about the rules of the road. Yet, I think this time has passed, and the big players now see clearly that the stakes are getting too high (eg. US and Russia being in each others critical infrastructure systems already).

So, is it too early still for such a cyber-weapons convention?

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu

Cyber-weapon in context of international security --- Scott, if we go above a general concept that everything (including code) can be used for both good and bad, and focus on weapons in context of international peace and security (like conventional weapons for instance) - could we still qualify code as weapons? Your experience with UN system and legal environment would be precious here.

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu

"Dual use lines of code" --- In practice, most commands are actually common commands that an admin uses for legitimate purposes - to download a file (admin would download the patch; attackers would download the malware), install and activate a file, access or delete data, etc. The goal of the attacker is to get the admin access, to allow herself to control the system. Thus, the attacker actually abuses common commands for malicious purposes.

This 'dual use' nature of code and related commands used during the attacks make it hard to call them 'weapons'. Though - a knife is a dual use technology as well, isn't it?

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu

Ransomware --- We had a case of ransomware at the public institution I work for. We were hosting an event and asked the guests to confirm their attendance by email, as there were going to be sitting arrangements. One of our staff was in charge of confirmations and she opened an attachment from a trusted source. Unfortunately, the attachment was corrupted with a virus that hijacked the official email account and we lost thousands of sent and received emails, some of them with confidential information.

Source author: Jorge Ernesto Salcido Zugasti jsalcido@sre.gob.mx

infamous --- It is a known fact that all the banks operating in SN have suffered huge damaged from scams or phishing but they know not to ever openly acknowledge it and for the rare times it gets to the news, they are quick to say one of their agents actually did it... However this year, the case of a Nigerian scammer that was flaunting too much wealth on social media caught by FBI shone light of how intricate the new methods of scamming have become...https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2021-hushpuppi-gucci-influencer/

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

Waiting to happen --- @ Bennette: The problem with good guys, is generally they are literally waiting for disasters to happen to act. Unfortunately, laws and policies are not always there to prevent crimes to happen only after they have happened way too many times to be ignored and left to good chances...

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

semantic or conceptual disagreement much? --- Knowing how professionals can sometimes linger on conceptual considerations, could that disagreement come from the fact that a weapon by definition is a "thing that is designed or used" to cause harm whilst most of the cyber tools were originally not designed for such even if they eventually ended being used as such, unlike actual weapon?

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

yet --- Yet lines of codes i.e. computer commands which can prove to be as damaging as conventional "commands" given by a sergeant at war... (charge, hit, destroy, etc.)

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

Physically nothing --- Conventional weapons are easier to identify, as well as their users. Even in the case of anonymous attacks or suicide bombers, there is usually a human track to follow. In the case of cyberweapons, it is much more difficult to identify the malicious actors and therefore to prosecute them, especially if they are citizens of other countries under which the affected parts have no jurisdiction.

Source author: Jorge Ernesto Salcido Zugasti jsalcido@sre.gob.mx

Physical Harm --- Yes, base on the current technology development where there is a blur line between IT and OT, the attack conduct by digital code, can potentially explode the building or kill the people.

For example, If there is an attack (hack) the water treatment system, the whole city citizen potential ill or even kill in case the chemical substance have been modified intentionally by the attacker.

Read more

https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/infographic-supply-water-national-critical-function-102021-508.pdf

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

Thank you, John! --- The schema is very useful and interesting!

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

Masterclass of circumvention --- Although Paxman insisted and insisted -even using the softener "I'm going to be frankly rude"-, Howard did not give in, and he didn't reply what his counterpart was looking for - yes or no.

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

Question of dignity? --- After watching all four videos, there was one single word that came to mind: dignity. Leaving aside the fact that all of them portray particular circumstances in which certain etiquette and protocol are needed, I think they all prove how important it is, for simple human interaction, to give each other the place and respect they deserve. Particularly with the last one, I almost felt sorry for the Minister who was beaten up in public. And that would have been the same feeling if he had been "an ordinary citizen". So, it got me thinking about how these four principles are applicable to everyday life an interactions, and how it may not be as clear until we see this kind of disrespect in public.

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

Dressing codes --- In some mexican cultures one needs to be dressed like them to be accepted as part of their community and have the right to speak with some authority

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

I agree --- I Agree, Is this lack of diplomacy of Macho behaviour

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

5 principles --- The four principles described above were violated plus "You shall not hit people"

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

What we see is part of the story? --- Certainly, Berlosuconi passed his message. He knkew what he was doing in front of the cameras

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

Unnecessary Rudeness --- Evidently the question posed was to discomfort the Chinese minister, even the Canadian one felt bad as he immediately looked at the list of reporters to learn who this lady was. The reply from the Chinese minister was unnecessarily rude, he could have made the same point using different language and following the four principles presented above.

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

Positive examples --- I had been looking for examples showing the good principles in practice, but could not find one. Anybody has positive examples?

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

Great visuals! --- I really like your schemas, John, thanks for sharing them! I'd love to see the terms 'presupposition' and 'innuendo' added!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

The language of opinions, requests & apologies --- Thanks for this example, Christian. The English 'in my humble opinion' and 'I beg to differ' play on the same theme of diminishing one's imposition. Varisants of the verb 'to beg' or 'to humbly ask' exist in many languages as requests, e.g Slav language variants of 'mollie vas' The Chinese for 'sorry' is due-bu-qi which means 'not able to face [you]'

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Contrast enhances meaning --- The interesting thing about English is the 'you' is the V-form (formal) and 'thou' is the T-form (informal) - still found in reference to God but otherwise archaic. When the informal form went out of usage, the remaining formal 'you' lost its formality for lack of a contrasting form.

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Subtle? --- For me the first example is not subtle at all. The “incident” initiates with President Trump violating the first Principle "1 Acknowledge the other party" by no shaking hands and doing as he does not see her. Pelosi, response, from my perspective is as rude as the offence, as she tore the speech in front of the cameras. Very visible, like saying "Hey you do not care about me ...I do not care about your speech" In fact, Trump not shaking Pelosi's hand is noticeable only from certain angles of the camera.

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

Bidding game ;) --- You could say there are three ways of securing face-space: physically, verbally and through silence. Would anybody like to suggest a fourth way?!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Local variations --- You are right to point out the importance of cultural variations with regard to politeness and minimising imposition, Mamta. Even within the same country, different communities behave according to their own regional (professional or gender) norms.

On the small island where I live in the very North of the UK, Southerners are considered brash and arrogant know-it-alls.

With regard to gender, a woman will often be considered overbearing and aggressive when she behaves much as an average man would.

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Is pathology a valid excuse? --- This sentence would seem to infer (please note my "softening device" by saying "would seem" ;-) that, in the case of tyranny, since it is a pathology, the actions of the tyrant are not expressions of rudeness - is this a correct reading? If so, I must beg to differ: Whether due to a pathology or not, a tyrant´s failure to acknowledge the other party, in my opinion, must be universally perceived as an expression of rudeness and cannot be an excuse for their actions.

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

Singaporeans first --- Here´s a link to an article that describe´s Singapore´s new policy towards migrant workers in 2011. In it, the Prime Minister says that he is cognizant of the unhappiness that an influx of foreign workers has caused to Singaporeans, and offers an array of incentives for nationals. He must tread a very thin line though: at the same time he must appease his electorate (Singaporean nationals) while at the same time he has to acknowledge that an important part of Singapore´s economy depends on foreign workers and that their presence is not only important but vital to the nation. I believe he does this very successfully by unveiling a number of programs destined to assist Singaporeans, while at the same time stressing the need to keep and maintain a stable and well cared for foreign workforce. Now that´s inclusion!

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/gov-t-puts-poreans-first-pm-lee-175645736.html

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

Doing business in Mexico --- Often when we are briefing business people who want to travel to Mexico to do business, we remind them of an interesting difference between Mexico and the US and/or Western Europe: whereas in the US and Western Europe is it considered good form to not waste their counterparts time and to go straight to the point, in Mexico that can be seen as rude and disrespectful. Down there, the best practice is to become "close" to your counterpart first, before any negotiation. This is achieved through socializing, breaking the ice, getting to know about your counterpart's life and family. Then the business talk flows much better.

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

Two ways --- I believe that face-space can be offered in a number of ways, both physically, but also through a form of respectful silence which can save the other person from losing face in a given circumstance.

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

It sometimes makes it easier! --- Spanish has the same difference as vous/tu in French.

For us it feels natural to address someone we don't know/who is older/who has a higher rank with "vous". It is a way to show respect - And one sometimes feel its absence in English! It feels a bit weird to address someone very senior in the same way we would address a friend.

A curiosity: some prehispanic languages like náhuatl had a reverential form - A level above "vous".

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

Sitting --- I had the privilege of serving in various Asian countries for 15 years. In many of them (especially in Eastern Asia), the place where one sits is of paramount importance and it can make or break a relationship or negotiation. This is true for any seating, from the dinner table to the negotiation room. And it is true in professional as well as social meetings. People will sit in a strict order which is pre-set and which gives preference (or the place of honor) to either the oldest in the room or the person of highest rank. Breaking these rules can cause grave offence.

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

I am nobody... --- I am reminded of a formula for politeness sometimes used in Mexico (and perhaps other Spanish speaking countries) in which, when one is about to give a piece of advice - unrequested, more often than not - one will open with the phrase "no soy nadie para decirte esto, pero..." ("I am nobody to be telling you this, but...). It is a form of diminishing oneself and aggrandizing the other, particularly when some not-so-pleasant information or advice is going to be shared. I find it interesting...

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

Horrendous speech --- The levels that some politicians' rudeness can reach never ceases to impress!

While Farage (might have?) wanted to make a defense of nation-States, we makes a quite horrible personal attack on Van Rompuy. His message gets lost bc he focused in the attack rather than in the defense of his idea.

Rudeness 4 - Courtesy 0

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

Rarely --- Very rarely, in diplomatic circles, is a failure to acknowledge one´s host to be understood as gross incompetence. It is almost always calculated and intended diplomatic signaling, usually planned well in advance.

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

Agree with Marie --- Even if the call was important, he leaving her waiting for I don't know how many minutes seems unacceptable to me.

He could have arrived, quickly greeted Merkel and run to get his call instead.

Prioritising is key - there are always many important things, but which one is the most urgent at a given moment?

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

Gender issues --- I have been in many situations were the gathering is men-only except from me, were some of them even avoid addressing me or even making eye-contact.

Sadly, misogyny still finds its way in so many spaces, including diplomacy. Prevailing prejudices can negatively impact communication and the message anyone is trying to convey.

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

Unacceptable --- Berlusconi's gaffe also runs against the four principles of courtesy.

He imposed his will -taking a phone call- instead of meeting his duties.

I don't think that this case was due to ill preparation by the Protocol team - it was rather about his lack of sense of others.

I was not familiar with Yeltsin's incident, thanks for sharing MacOswald! - Heavy drinking is obviously a massive gaffe, it secures failure in terms of courtesy.

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

Disconnection --- He circumvents the question of the journalist by implying she doesn't know China and chinese achievements.

By avoiding her question, he ignored her/her view in a way, imposing his narrative and closing the circle of inclusion.

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

Usual rudeness --- Trump's behaviour runs precisely against the four principles of courtesy: he ignored his counterpart, he tried to make her feel unease, he imposed his rudeness and he excluded her.

This behaviour speaks very bad of him, not of Nancy.

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

Skillful! --- Howard is very skillful at "beating around the bush" and not answering the question directly so as not to compromise himself. This is certainly an acquired expertise which is not easy to master. Many politicians and diplomats spend long hours practicing precisely how to NOT answer a question while making it seem like they are.

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

Trying --- It seemed like she was trying to hard to catch him saying it´s women´s own fault that they are not paid the same, which he was refusing to do - although he does allude to it a few times. He seems well versed in masking his real thoughts in some sort of academic jargon so as not to sound anti-feminist - or at least that´s what the interviewer wants it to seem like.

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

From the not so subtle to the downright brutal --- The first example is on the subtle side of rudeness - what could be termed "a slap with a glove" or something like that. Pelosi had been ignored, maligned and insulted for quite some time by Trump before this incident. In this incident, which was timed perfectly for maximum (media) impact, The person being insulted didn´t even know it was happening - it was more for the rest of the people to see. The second example with the Chinese Foreign Minister I believe has to do with "face" and with the perceived loss of dignity of the country. First of all, the question was not even directed at him, so by answering something not asked of him, he was already being rude. He then proceeds to insult and belittle the knowledge and experience of the journalist. I believe this was more for consumption of the Chinese public, and for him to be seen to defend their dignity and sovereignty and ego, than an actual message for anyone else. The Berlusconi-Merkel scene is simply a show of arrogance, old-school machismo and small mindedness - it´s surprising the Chancellor waited as long as she did. The Rach-Macek scene is the breakdown of any attempt at civilized communication and going the way of wild savages.

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

Putting on a False Face to Save Face --- A False Face is a metaphor for a type of behavior that occurs when a person presents him or herself in one sort of identity, but then as the plot unfolds, he or she shows another face. A technical term that helps to explain the purpose of the false face in culture is the rhetorical device of the simulacrum.

Although the term ‘simulacrum’ has been around since Plato's time, it is really only in the 20th century that it has acquired the significance it has today. The two most important names that have come to be associated with this concept are Jean Baudrillard and Gilles Deleuze.

The simulacra that Baudrillard refers to are the significations and symbolism of culture and media that construct perceived reality, the acquired understanding by which our lives and shared existence are rendered legible.

The main argument being put forth by Baudrillard is that nothing in our culture is “real” in the true sense of the word. Everything that we consider real is simply a “simulacrum” which is just a representation or copy where the original no longer exists, like a statue of a person or picture.

The 20 years of media representation of the conduct of the Afghanistan War is an example of a simulacrum propagating a false reality to perpetuate endless war. All the official media, military and government pronouncements promised imminent success with the next surge.

However, the release of the Afghan Papers prove that this was propaganda. It was a false narrative intended to distort public perception of reality. Baudrillard’s interpretation is apt as this was “just a representation or copy where the original no longer exists.”

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

Facebook and Face-Saving --- The importance of our current study of ‘face’ is exemplified by this week’s announcement of one big tech company’s efforts, at least in part, to ‘save face’ and avoid disgrace. Mark Zuckerberg has explained that his company is in the process of rebranding, the current identity of ‘Facebook’ to a new image of “Metaverse’.

Recall Google’s face-saving effort in 2015 to rebrand as “Alphabet”’ and defense contractor Blackwater’s changes over the years to move past their reputational damage. Tactically, this decision is in anticipation of other companies like Microsoft or Roblox entering this new ‘space’.

Consider that Facebook’s proposed technology of AR glasses able to present the simulacrum of a dystopian universe. I will expand this concept of the simulacrum, so important to Language and Diplomacy, in a separate post.

Anti-trust regulators, through the respective office of their state attorney-general, continue attempts to break up the company. So, in addition to face-saving, reputational damage, and market repositioning there is a legal challenge that provides context for rebranding.

Recent Congressional testimony supports the criticism that Facebook management does virtually nothing to stop human trafficking around the world, or teen girls feeling bad about themselves on Instagram.

There is more to the face-saving through name-changing than meets the eye. Channeling people’s attention inward through futuristic technology dims public sensitivity to criticism of the world’s most powerful social media platform.

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

Oh yes, we're in agreement --- I was simply pointing out that the blade cuts both ways. Higher pitches are taken less seriously, whereas lower pitches are taken more seriously.

Source author: André Xuereb andre.xuereb@um.edu.mt

Both..? --- I believe that he was attempting to raise their status, but what really happened was that he risked diminishing the other side, at least if his pronouncements were to have been taken seriously.

Source author: André Xuereb andre.xuereb@um.edu.mt

Deferential? --- I use this variant much less commonly but to my ears it sounds deferential. Perhaps it's Dickens' linguistic legacy...

Source author: André Xuereb andre.xuereb@um.edu.mt

Accountability --- @Guillaume. I am with you on this. I am simply seeking to provide some methods of prevention in the areas you have highlighted; I suggest that there must be legislative, diplomatic and technical collaboration between and among States in order to say capture and prosecute crossborder fraud or even state sponsored activities working with international agencies like UN, OECD, OSCE, Interpol etc.. - the technical team would be in a position to monitor and detect electronic footprint of the fraudster to gather factual evidence of the fraud/crime for which the law enforcement agencies will use to prosecute. Bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation among cooperating countries would also assist in that endeavor; therefore a concerted collaborative effort has to be taken to meet the admittedly challenging situation as you have soo rightly stated.

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

Accountability --- Thomas, As I said, I agree with you in the sense that accountability is extremely important. I just say that it is also extremely challenging, particularly when we talk about state sponsored cyber attacks. What are the ways for ensuring accountability and law enforcement in those cases? How does International Law would play out? And what happens in the case of transboundary cyber-crime such as fraud? So my point is that we need to think in terms of prevention, rather than justiciability.

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

Accountability vs protection --- @Guillaume. If you agree that some level of accountability is necessary, then you agree that there must be a way to effect that accountability though as you suggested, it may be difficult - but difficulty does not equate impossibility. No one ever thought say 10 years ago that persons could ever be prosecuted for say cyber-bullying but that's possible now; if prosecution is not possible then the many legal liability clauses attached to online services can be construed as a joke; Therefore it simply takes the required effort and yes education and focused awareness or even appealing to basic human decency and justice to get this accomplished; With respect to state-sponsored activities, here again is the role of international law, bilateral or multi-lateral agreements and sanctions assuming of course, that States consent whether via the UN or otherwise. I nothing is done or we simply allow anarchy to spread then we are all doomed.

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

Interesting point --- As you are pointing out, I think this is creating a whole new set of questions in the fields of international and domestic law, and the way these norms are applied to crimes and unlawful actions conducted through the internet and with the assistant of new technologies.

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

Digitalisation increase vulnerabilities --- The more our lives rely on the digitalisation, the more vulnerable we are. We rely on the internet for work, for communication, for banks, for school, for shopping, for health, for transport. The thing is that we cannot even escape from it, there is no backup plan.

At the same time, the more sophisticated become the technologies to protect the cyber world, the more we depend on it. As an example, the automatic passwords in the computer. They give more security, but we, the users, cannot handle this information, which makes us dependant on the computers.

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

Accountability vs protection --- Although I agree on the point regarding the need for accountability and the need to have laws and law enforcement cooperation, I don't think this is a realistic option to counter cyber attacks for a number of reasons. First, it is precisely the ability to conduct this attacks from any place in the world that makes it difficult to prosecute. Second, some of these attacks are state-sponsored, which means that no prosecution will ever take place. Third, proving in court that someone is guilty of cybercrime would be an impossible or a very difficult task.

Of course we need laws and promote the rule of law on the Internet, but I think that States and companies need to invest in technological tools as a primary line of defense.

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

Human factor vs. AI --- Human factor is the central one, just as in any kind of war/conflict. Humans are the threat, the vulnerability and the asset. However, the development of new technologies is bringing to the equation AI as a new crucial element. Although is difficult to imagine nowadays that AI can by itself decide on a cyber attack, it is becoming more a more prominent element, but to what extent?

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

Priorities --- Thank you @Juan for this timely intervention. This aligns very well with the discussions we have been engaging in thus far as it relates to whether or not cybersecurity issues (and especially those surrounding risk assessment and vulnerabilities) should be mainstreamed into the wider digital policy landscape that currently pays a great deal of attention to digital access and inclusion issues on one side of the spectrum, digital entrepreneurship and digital economy issues in the middle, and digital transformation on the other end. But what you may have done is widened the discussion even further to include the huge challenge that many governments face in treating with digital issues on the whole, far less those related to cybersecurity. Governments, and especially in the current circumstances with reduced revenues and limited budgets are forced to balance and prioritize a range of critical issues relating to crumbling and badly maintained infrastructure, crime and deviance (which, of course, can be closely related to cybersecurity and cybercrime), access to resources, agriculture, food production and self-sufficiency, poverty, inequality and inequity and ... the list goes on. The question I am posing therefore (noting that we are treating the policy issues and the technical aspects of cybersecurity with relatively equal importance in this course) is how can or should we ensure that cybersecurity issues - especially those related to risk assessment and vulnerabilities - force their way onto the priority list for national policy agendas? Carefully noting that, based on past history, once this happens, the private sector - including, critically, the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector normally follows suit.

Source author: Tracy Hackshaw TracyH@diplomacy.edu

Software life cycle --- I strongly believed in the SDLC (Software development live Cycle) the TESTING stage where we test the application trying to exploit the code flaws, vulnerabilities and thinking out of the box about how end user will interact with the software.

Most of the time testing roles are executed by people who are not involve in the development stage in this way they can have a fresh approach to try out.

Some others test are executed by software.

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

Where is the cure? --- Technology is growing every day, new software, new platforms, new ways to do business are coming up and there is big risk. Like the text said, these vulnerabilities fuel the development of tools and tactics for conduction attacks, I think we should create framework for Cybersecurity, like the policy at work (IT Government). we should create one for the end user or regular homes. In the previous module the questions was who we most to target when we talk about the cybersecurity, are the companies most important that people?

This framework might be what the governments from all countries should discuses and put hands on.

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

Moving toward future --- Since the COVID-19 Pandemic started we have changed the way we behave. One of the most biggest challenges was the way we do business or interact at work. The model "Home Office" is getting popular in the companies and a lot of security hole stand up after this. How can we make sure that our colleges working from home are protected from cyber-attacks? are they taking care of this risk?

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

Kudos for the creativity! --- I like this very creative approach! It's important to experiment with different media and stimulate different target groups, especially with a topic evermore central to our lives. This reminds me of a comic widely distributed for free to all secondary school-aged kids in the early/mid 90's in Switzerland, it aimed to explain HIV/AIDS, the means of transmission and prevention... The comic literally marked a generation of teenagers (I was one of them)!

Source author: Sébastien Monnet sebastien-joel.monnet@eda.admin.ch

yes! --- Just like seat belt legislation requires the fitting of seat belts to motor vehicles and the wearing of seat belts by the vehicle occupants, there should be enforcement mechanisms that require softward/hardware manufacturers to demonstrate sufficient testing of products before commercialization vs known vulnerabilities.

Source author: Sébastien Monnet sebastien-joel.monnet@eda.admin.ch

Remember password --- Instinctively, I would assume it helps. These days I use 2-step verification whenever it is "on offer" - a pretty simple and effective step that essentially nullifies keylogger-enabled method... I hope that I am right!

Source author: Sébastien Monnet sebastien-joel.monnet@eda.admin.ch

Fascinating..."nightmare-level terrible" indeed --- Though it kind of made it to the mainstream news, I had yet to catch up on Pegasus and NSO. Thanks for sharing, I think this story speaks volume about the need to regulate cyber weapon trade, introduce export control mechanisms, etc. - pretty sure there are technical challenges and limits to enforce tracability of cyber systems and their use but this should be up there in terms of governance objectives.

Source author: Sébastien Monnet sebastien-joel.monnet@eda.admin.ch

Keep it up! --- Thank you @Bennette. Keep up the excellent work you have been doing!

Source author: Tracy Hackshaw TracyH@diplomacy.edu

Cake. --- I still believe we can't have our cake and eat it too though. We can't have it both ways. We HAVE to make a decision both in terms of policy as well as well as practice (and BOTH public and private sectors). Should cybersecurity be "mainstreamed" throughout ALL of the other digital issues that need to be dealt with should it be seen as a standalone issue? Which of these perspectives are best to improve the overall approach in terms of cybersecurity risk mitigation? Thanks to those who have weighed in thus far, but given the fundamental importance of this question, I would like to hear from more of you.

Source author: Tracy Hackshaw TracyH@diplomacy.edu

Can you expand? --- @Ndeye ... perhaps you can expand on your question further here? I would also be interested to hear what others think about this?

Source author: Tracy Hackshaw TracyH@diplomacy.edu

Cybersecurity as comparative advantage / A topic in itself? --- The level of preparedness to cyberattacks is key for building trust. At a country level, it should be considered as a "guarantee" of the safety of infrastructures, thus a component of the stability of a country, and as a key framework condition for businesses and investments.

To get back to the question of budgeting cybersecurity, I think that public administrations should treat digitalisation along with cybersecurity as the two sides of the same coin. For example, when addressing e-governance, access & services and security have to be addressed.

Based on the remarks of Vladimir, I would be glad though to read other views on cybersecurity as a topic in itself.

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

Fun facts --- In the recent years, the Internet Service Providers in The Gambia have always used the excuses of "cut submarine cables" for their disturbing and repetitive Internet shutdowns while the "disruption" would generally happen in moments that would "miraculously" be at the advantage of the Government being called out for wrongdoings.

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

Case of the German hospital --- The most recent example that caught my attention last year : https://www.wired.co.uk/article/ransomware-hospital-death-germany

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

Re: Humans in the chain --- @ Tracy: Indeed, it is commonly accepted that "humans" are the weak links in cybersecurity or information security chain. Either by the error (by passively enabling the damage) or by intention (by thoroughly activating the damage)... I always like to think that it takes at least the threat (bad intention) to cause real damage regardless of the vulnerability of a system.

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

Remember password --- Here, does always choosing "no" to the remember your password question help?

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

Not surprising --- The amount of what could be called "indirect hacking" with women tying to spy on potentially cheating partners, suspected lovers of partners, getting access to banking accounts and other assets could have the number to skyrocket. lol

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

Baffling case --- I have always wondered what the use of remotely controlled weapon in the assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh really meant in terms of cybersecurity and international law? With the hypothesis the attack was perpetuated by a foreign country and the "cyber" aspect of the crime was widely known, what does it really mean now? Has cyberattack given a new meaning to "getting away with murder"?

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

Anecdotical issues --- The main hurdles one can observe is some consider risks and threats as anecdotical so it distorts the whole idea and understanding of cybersecurity and it's high importance (for instance in developing countries that are lagging a bit behind in terms of digitalization yet are paradoxically highly digitally dependent (banks, OVI, etc.)

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

New Tools --- Yes, you are right @Ionia. As @tracy mentioned, Risk assessment is what we should conduct before or during we bring a new digital tools/products to serve the business requirement.

For example, one bank need to advance their online service by introduce the online-banking App. Before lunching this app, we usually do the PenTesting to find the vulnerability or loophole that can be exploited by attacker.

Another example, when we buy in the Coffee Making machine with internet connection capability, we should understand the risk and threat involve with this device and who will in charge of it?

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

Accountability --- @Bennette, Yes accountability is really important in cyberspace. However, this is not easy to find the real attacker on cyberspace. Due to the anonymity of Internet, to find the smoking gune is a really complex and sophisticated matter and it is almost impossible to find, especially for developing country with less cyber-capability and international partnership.

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

people vs state --- right of people or right of states?

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

number of developing countries --- Since 1972, is the number of developing countries increased or decreased?

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

Vienna formula --- Does this still exist? Can a country as member decline its membership?

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

UN role --- Why the UN only give recommendation; i.e. it does not have power to reprimand?

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

UN conference --- How often does this conference happen? Why there was no conference from 1972 till 1992 and from 2015 till 2022? How many countries participate in the conference?

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

HIC vs L&MIC --- Is it right to use high (low and middle) income countries in replace of developed (developing) countries? What about least developed countries?

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

Communicating the scientific facts --- Don't you think that in this specific matter the scientific community has also an important role in communicating the scientific facts (helping debunk some fake info or misinformation available out there) and at times, putting pressure and/or keeping governments accountable for their actions (compared to their words) ?

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

Interdependence ! --- I wanted to add my comment (rather than a criticism) on the way the 17 SDGs are presented, in separate goals. Since the objectives are mostly interdependent, it is difficult to look at a single goal and act towards achieving it locally or regionally. What is needed is an integrated approach that combines policies, actions and implementation on multiple goals to positively impact each other, rather than a "silo" or "sequential" approach that could even undermine certain goals or strengthen any potential conflicts between them.

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

Many conventions, norms, regulations are from Global North --- Many documents, standards, norms, guidelines. etc., comes from Global North countries.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

And UN Human Rights Council --- I felt very confused when I typed down those words.

Some local organizations or individuals support UN SDGs in Taiwan and agree SDGs are important and hope to be a responsible corporate. Our Digital Minister, Audrey Tang, and her team members helped translate the 17 goals in Mandarin to Taiwan.

I know there are some international organizations or human rights communities that support us. One of my friends attended the event from UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in person.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

truly global goals - SDGs --- Agreed, Mouloud. In contrast to the MDGs, the SDGs really are global goals, applying to both the global North and the global South. But to add to this, the SDGs could include stronger provisions for levelling the playing field between global North and South. The issue of technology transfer in the SDGs is one example that comes to mind.

Source author: Katharina Höne KatharinaH@diplomacy.edu

proposing a new set of global goals ... role of Colombia --- Thanks for adding further details to this point, Carlos. Much appreciated.

Source author: Katharina Höne KatharinaH@diplomacy.edu

member states and beyond ... future of IOs --- I had a feeling you would relate to this passage in the text. No need to apologise, I think you raise a very important point, Ying-Chu. Both East and West Germany joined later that decade. But as you mention the issue remains. On the one hand, there is a sense that not only states should participate in the process. The UN SDGs are a great example of wider participation. On the other hand, member states of international organisations (IOs) enjoy a privileged position. These member states in turn decide on new member states as well as the rules of the procedure. If we look at the UN, the UN Security Council for example, this means that reforms can be blocked. It also means that new memberships can be blocked. Now, I'm not telling you anything new, but I think it's worth raising this point with regard to the future of IOs.

Source author: Katharina Höne KatharinaH@diplomacy.edu

Correction --- The text should read: 'The main criticism of Agenda 21 was that is was conceived from the position of the Global North.'

Source author: Pavlina Ittelson pavlinai@diplomacy.edu

Harmonising and Facilitating Cooperation and Evaluation/Comparison --- One of the advantages of having common targets for the global community of nations is to harmonise the goals, set clear targets, encourage and promote cooperation and collaboration (including scientific) especially between the Global North and South, transfer of knowledge and technology. It makes it also possible to evaluate progress and compare different countries and regions on common (agreed upon) indicators.

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

Provision of Military security --- This is common with UN agencies where peace keepers are involved in providing escort to UN and other INGO humanitarian convoys. But of late they are also transferring the risk to private contractors

Source author: John Lobor john.lobor@ssdredcross.org

Humanitarian Space --- Do you have a link for these stats by any chance? They might come in handy for my research project.

Source author: Marwa Shabbar marwashabbar@yahoo.com.au

provision of security by military --- Apart from relief operations, military forces may insist on accompanying humanitarian organisations in volatile contexts. This military 'body guard' can give the wrong perceptions. In most cases ICRCs refuses to be accompanied by military forces (sometimes it makes them more of a security target) and if there is a reason to be driving in a convoy that includes military vehicles then to opt for a non-marked car to avoid negative perceptions. Of course this is not always possible in all contexts.

Source author: Marwa Shabbar marwashabbar@yahoo.com.au

Should be done with care --- This could potentially ruin the relationships with the counterpart and negatively impact future negotiations. You don't want to win the battle but lose the war.

Source author: Marwa Shabbar marwashabbar@yahoo.com.au

Pick your battles --- Approaching the situation as well informed as you can be about the other persons objectives and what you are willing to give up and not give up in the negotiation. Compromise is important, as well as a willingness to listen and engage in open discussion.

Source author: Catherine Gearing cathgearing@gmail.com

Including well received and well liked people --- Sometimes there is a tendency to focus on including people with substantial expertise or higher positions which is very important, but it is equally important to include people that are well-received and well liked by the counterpart even if they are not experts. Sometimes having that person deliver a hard to swallow stat or argument can make it more tolerable than some expert saying it.

Source author: Marwa Shabbar marwashabbar@yahoo.com.au

Verbal agreement doesn't always need to be written --- I think a verbal agreement can be as strong as written, depending on culture, context and the magnitude of the situation. Also requiring things to be written and endorsed can create unnecessary delays, things might need to go further up the line and get stuck. Whereas verbal can be maybe progressed the next day e.g a relief distribution, having this in writing might then require lots of officials to attend but verbal agreement might enable it to happen quicker.

Source author: Catherine Gearing cathgearing@gmail.com

Dressing Code --- Depending on the event/meeting, a modest dressing considered decent in the specific country. You may loose opportunity to a key decision maker due to dressing not accepted for public life.

Source author: Taban Sabir Alahai taban.sabir@ssdredcross.org

Informal meetings --- Indeed, diplomates have long set up quasi-informal occasions to facilitate these informal negotiations as well as to establish relationships and a level of understanding that can benefit future negotiations.

Source author: Joe Cropp joe.cropp@ifrc.org

The role of the Media --- The involvement of the media to bring to spotlight forgotten existing legislation to the general public could shape the negotiation agenda. The social media is a useful tool to gauge and mobilize public support when Public diplomacy is pursued..

Source author: Taban Sabir Alahai taban.sabir@ssdredcross.org

Persona non- grata --- In some stressful negotiations, you find individuals being issued Persona-non grata)PNG) when the counterpart feels red button/line has been crossed.

Source author: Taban Sabir Alahai taban.sabir@ssdredcross.org

Sources of power --- International humanitarian law and refugee law can be seen as a source of power that can be used in negotiations.

Source author: Joe Cropp joe.cropp@ifrc.org

Small wins --- At the outset there is value in setting small goals that can be achieved, using this to establish a constructive engagement for further negotiations

Source author: Joe Cropp joe.cropp@ifrc.org

Military as 'humanitarian' actors --- At the same time there will be overlaps be commonalities between even such diverse organisations that can be leveraged. We may have different languages, but look for similar 'humanitarian' outcomes

Source author: Joe Cropp joe.cropp@ifrc.org

Good to see Fisher here --- I read this book in undergraduate study and thought it was a really good overview - I still think of it to today in terms of the idea of developing your ability to walk away by having a next best option, and how a lot of work needs to go towards strengthening your own position by doing this work.

Source author: Murdoch Stephens murdoch.stephens@redcross.org.nz

Negotiating from RCRC --- It is interesting to see the tools used by RC National Societies to increase their power in an area in which they are negotiants but hold no power of sovereignty over the spaces the munitions will cover.

Source author: Murdoch Stephens murdoch.stephens@redcross.org.nz

Middle ground --- I wonder if there's space between enemy and partner that is worth considering. For example, some theorists talk of agonistic relationships where material and fundamental differences are acknowledged, but where each side recognises the others' genuine legitimacy in the space of negotiation. Though perhaps that is what you mean by 'partner'... Chantal Mouffe's description, in contrast, invokes the opponent rather then the enemy.

Source author: Murdoch Stephens murdoch.stephens@redcross.org.nz

America versus Japan. --- When America states its position, the Japanese tend to listen quite carefully, to ask additional details and say nothing at all about committal. This lack of response frustrates the American side, which wants counter- proposals put on the table. To the Japanese this approach is aggressive, embarrassing and impolite.(Raymond Cohen).

Source author: Emmanuel Henry Pierre manniepierre@hotmail.com

The Japanese --- The Japanese on the other hand work in negotiation through a patient consensus generating process. They tend to shy away from ceremonial occasions because to disagree at a formal stage would be distasteful and embarrassing according to Glen Fisher. Harmony is important to the Japanese, they ensure that social relations are smooth and consensus is overarching. When compared to the Americans who see negotiating sessions as problem solving exercises, and problems are precisely the dragons what Americans take pride in slaying.

Source author: Emmanuel Henry Pierre manniepierre@hotmail.com

The French Soul. --- The French tend to perceive themselves as holding a special position in the international arena. "France is not simply an European country -- it is France. The country has a mystique that is part of the French soul. In regards to the French decision-making process, they start with a long- range view of their purposes and place low priority on accommodation in short range decisions to reach objectives which seem of little consequence. Americans tend to focus on short -term, it is harder for them to see that there might be a design in French decisions. .

Source author: Emmanuel Henry Pierre manniepierre@hotmail.com

Anticipating. --- The 'negotiator's art' must include an ability to anticipate the other side's decision making process, and hopefully influence it. In international negotiation this means taking into account contrasts in the culture of decision making, in a way officials and executives reach their decisions and instruct their negotiators.

Source author: Emmanuel Henry Pierre manniepierre@hotmail.com

Distinct Identity Compromised --- Is conflict situations where there is International force to either keep peace or reinforce implementation of a peace pact, the actions of the Peace keeping force can compromise identity of sister agencies. In South Sudan, actions of UNMISS drew public hatred of the entire United Nations.

Source author: Taban Sabir Alahai taban.sabir@ssdredcross.org

Unique Vehicle registration Plates for NS --- With experiences of the two major battles in South Sudan's capital-Juba, South Sudan Red Cross has been in the lead in response with Movement partner support. Most actors hibernate and later evacuate their staff out of the Country. NS faced challenges at check points while using a private vehicle registration plates. The NS leadership engaged with government based on evidences of its responses for a unique private registration for its automobiles.

Source author: Taban Sabir Alahai taban.sabir@ssdredcross.org

Orientation on use of ICT equipment --- Often in high level meetings that are live, diplomats/statemen have made serious mistakes of whispering to each other, not knowing the microphone is on. Such can setback when Counterpart hears the whispered message. Orientation on how to carefully use ICT during high level meetings.

Source author: Taban Sabir Alahai taban.sabir@ssdredcross.org

Implementation Procedures --- These should be clearly discussed and agreed upon. Otherwise, if the counterpart is the state, it may impose indirectly some bureaucratic impediments to the implementation of the agreement.

Source author: Taban Sabir Alahai taban.sabir@ssdredcross.org

Beneficiary validated evidence --- Community engagement from the initial stages in negotiating for their fate. This will back the evidence as the Community will not be manipulated by opportunists for ulterior interests.

Source author: Taban Sabir Alahai taban.sabir@ssdredcross.org

Win-Win Basis --- When you define your objectives and know of your counterpart, you can easily draw a well informed negotiation strategy. However, Keeping in mind the fundamental humanitarian principles not to be compromised.

Source author: Taban Sabir Alahai taban.sabir@ssdredcross.org

Bureaucratic impediments Common in South Sudan --- -Operation interference at field level -Issues with tax exemption/customs -issues with visa for experts -Issues with work permits -Threats, intimidation, harassments -Interference in HR/staffing -restrictions/denial of movement -Legal taxation/bribery - Confiscation/seizure of assets -Issue with NGO registration.

Source author: Taban Sabir Alahai taban.sabir@ssdredcross.org

formalize in writing --- what happens if you are dealing with people who can neither read nor write like traditional leaders in village context ?

Source author: John Lobor john.lobor@ssdredcross.org

results vs real --- This is comment to Gerhard Tauscher agreed results vs real action.

Source author: John Lobor john.lobor@ssdredcross.org

Decision making level of persons involved. --- one of the challenges is that if low key persons are sent to lead negotiation team , then it likely that they don't have the mandate from their superiors to sign the agreement . This can lead to feet dragging, delays or even abandoning the whole process. It is important that people with authority to conclude agreements should lead the process especially if it is a strategic issue being negotiated.

Source author: John Lobor john.lobor@ssdredcross.org

Rohingya repatriation --- Although the Bangladesh is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Bangladesh is obliged to comply as this is now considered a rule of customary international law. The core principle is non-refoulment, which assets that a refugee should not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom. i belief the threat against the Rohingya in Myanmar still exists.

Source author: John Lobor john.lobor@ssdredcross.org

levels of Negotiations. --- From experience, especially when the military situation is fluid you get a lot of obstructions from the frontline check points even if you have all your papers approved by high the authorizes for the convoy to proceed to your destination.. The negotiation at the frontline take a lot of time and sometimes humanitarian convoys are sent back to base particularly if it is crossline operation where you are delivering materials to the opposition side.

Source author: John Lobor john.lobor@ssdredcross.org

Independent operational space --- Military presence in humanitarian relief operations is a fact as well as in several conflict contexts such Mali, Niger or others. Civil-military coordination is a reality needed but it is important in terms of perception and neutraliy to promote differentiation and maintain an independent operational space more over when several actors have to negotiate with armed parties in a conflict in terms of access and the organisation can't risk to be a assimilated to a specific idea or other actors.

Source author: María Romero Pardo sohi1z1@hotmail.com

Maybe not wrongdoing ! --- Interesting point Marwa, but what about taking a different angle: the interlocutor accepts your offer to visit his jails and will announce loud and clear that he accepts the services of the ICRC because he has nothing to hide, knowing perfectly well that the confidentiality of the institution (we say what we do, not what we see), is fundamental for its international reputation. Win-win !!

Source author: Jean-Michel Monod jmmonod@yahoo.com

Quotation issue --- I agree Marwa and well spotted. If we look at the original reference the term "and where relevant" is omitted. Perhaps the question is why has it been added here?

Source author: Shane Wilkes swilkes4129@gmail.com

Communication skills and styles --- People have very different communication skills and according to this fact, they would lead the negotiation in one way or another. There are people centered in the process, other who prioritize actions, some people oriented or idea oriented.

When we are negotiating, we have also to analyse these types or skills of our counterpart in order to better connect with the latter and to promote a better understanding and fluid communication.

Source author: María Romero Pardo sohi1z1@hotmail.com

espionage --- I the purpose of espionage is to hurt or degrade another country's economic viability and create untold harm to citizens and government, why isn't this a legally prosecutorial and punishable act within international law?

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

attribute to states --- After having relatively conclusive evidence that a particular attack is Country A, why not act in the same way that countries go to the UN Security Council to get authority to respond? Yet, the structure of the UN Security Council seems to be beneficial to the major powers - today its my turn, tomorrow its yours and as such no serious action is taken.

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

attribution --- Isn't the issue of attribution lie with more fear of retaliation than really seeking to act accordingly since the nature of these attacks (attackers) are clearly known? or the fear of more cyber-attacks or of triggering a cyberwar or possible a World War like what started the First World War?

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

malware kept silence for weeks --- Isn't it possible to have counter-surveillance code which does the opposite by staying silent for weeks or months understanding the actions of the attacking code in an effort to neutralize its impact? admittedly, the attacker would have the advantage?

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

nation state --- @Ruiz. Great question. I would recommend collaboration between states particularly cooperation between the technical team and the legal department working hand in hand.

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

nation state --- How is possible to identify a hacker or a perpetrator with a "nation state" if they work normally from unofficial or proxy platforms?

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

Who is responsible? --- As I have suggested elsewhere in this module, should we leave the ENTIRE responsibility to software providers to prevent attacks? Is this feasible or practical? Or should the burden be shared between the corporate and individual users AND the the providers? I know this is a difficult and sensitive area, but it is important to the discussion because it appears that simply placing the entire focus and emphasis on the supply side of the equation is not solving the problem. So should we not be trying a different approach?

Source author: Tracy Hackshaw TracyH@diplomacy.edu

agreement on cybercrime --- @Devita. It is the multi-million dollar question based on the way cybercrime has been framed. However, if we see it from this macro perspective there will never be a silver bullet to solve not only this issue but many similar problems in life. How about taking a bite one step at a time by attacking the problem in phases in the same manner that various legal instruments are first defined and then revised? Hackers are very smart and innovative and will always be one step or more ahead of legislation and punishment but if we work collaboratively with legal and technical experts, baby steps can be made to at least mitigate against these bad actors

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

online violence? --- @Devita. This is interesting. Traditionally, violence is not only physical but psychological or even emotional or some people might even venture to say "intellectual violence" when some insults your intelligence (lol). Similarly in cyberspace, the principle applies - when a hacker illegally intrudes into one's personal email or a nation's sovereign assets or space, wouldn't these considered "violent entry"?

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

Can something that is physical by definition occur virtually? --- I have the same question in respect of violence. In multilateral discussions, some persons refer to violence online. But isn't violence supposed to be a physical act? How can there be violence online?

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

Security risks due to lack of education and awareness --- I would want to totally agree with Guillame here. These risks are very real, particularly for the older generation who are not technologically savvy bearing in mind some may be genuinely unwilling or unable to educate themselves at that age. As highlighted above, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the use of the internet for important services, which were not or no longer available in-person. How do we minimise the security risks and protect our older population in this regard from unintentionally sharing personal/sensitive information that may result in the perpetrator having access to their financial information, home address etc?

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

So.... --- ...should we promote banging instead, as a way to resolve the disputes?;-)

Source author: Andrej Skrinjaric andrejs@diplomacy.edu

Ambition is a strange thing Andre... --- ....so once the goal of getting elected was achieved, it was only natural for him (and, I guess 99% other people in a similar situation) to 'conquer' the next goal of being the best leader/President ever?

Source author: Andrej Skrinjaric andrejs@diplomacy.edu

Good point... --- ...about the difference between activism and public governance, once that falls below the radar in a heated debate, but it worth pointing out every now and then.

Just like the example you mentioned, we have a similar heated debate in Serbia currently experiencing the peak of the 4th wave of corona pandemic between health officials wanting to impose 24-hours covid passes and a general lockdown, and politicians who want to keep as many businesses open for the sake of economy. And I must say the latter often do come across as being too cold-hearted and pragmatic, but then again, that is their job, right?

Source author: Andrej Skrinjaric andrejs@diplomacy.edu

Ricardo, thanks for your comments ... --- ... and especially elaborating further on your experience in the field. Actually, what I have in mind is to prioritize Kiribati's foreign policy (FP) specific to China. I've developed what I call the EDPHEM pillars of FP to China, i.e. economic diplomacy, development/public, health, education and multilateral among other functions of the mission; but at least we have focus and objectives and a means to measure progress.

Sorry for coming back on this again but I think this is worthwhile discussing knowing you're in China.

Source author: David Ateti Teaabo david.teaabo@gmail.com

With para diploamcy.. --- the nation state no longer enjoys exclusive practice of foreign relations. Some regional governments and non state actors have well established policies for external activities guided by local priorities. These activities include engaging in economic diplomacy, promoting the region´s trade and investment opportunities, as well as participating at the multilateral fora to support/bring focus on issues that might directly affect their socio-economic development such as climate change..

Source author: Omphile Sethunya Sedimo sedimosethunya44@gmail.com