PKI and Clearing House --- Shouldn't trust also incorporate approved clearing houses and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to provide another level of security and comfort to users along the supply chain?

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

financial vulnerabilities --- With billions of dollars being transacted daily on the Internet, it has become a bonanza for hackers as some many opportunities are open to them from vulnerable individuals who are innocently unaware of the many risks involved. This "lack of security", disrespect for personal/private data lead to possible economic ruin as people's total earning can easily evaporate by a few computer strokes by an experienced and knowledgeable hacker.

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

trust is key --- In the offline world, it is easier and safer for one to go to an ATM machine at a local bank to transact money with another bank customer standing in line awaiting his/her turn to do business than conducting online transaction alone on a computer or mobile device knowing that some hacker is "openly" seeking to steal your password or using a program or device to check your keystrokes - all in an attempt to openly rob you. Trust therefore is absolutely critical in e-commerce. The question therefore becomes: who or what should I trust? the system, firewalls, proper cyber hygiene?

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

cybersecurity criteria --- @Ginger. While i appreciate that users cannot be aware of the attackers motives for choosing to attack them, the above criteria seems to be too focused on users responsibility and not on cybersecurity principles and standards on a whole. A look at the ITU's Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), a major piece of work on cybersecurity indices, the areas of focus are seemed to be more from a macro-security perspective rather than the more narrow-looking users' channel: (i) Legal Measures, (ii) Technical Measures, (iii) Organizational Measures, (iv) Capacity Development, and (v) Cooperation ITU's GCI seemed more realistic and fair as it is the Country's responsibility to put the necessary tools and resources in place including education, awareness, technical and legal mandates, cyber collaboration, cyber hygiene principles etc, to ensure cyber stability and security.

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

is it digital technology or cybersecurity industrry --- As a follow up to an earlier HT on the issue of the cybersecurity industry being the driver of economic development, is this the case or that digital technology is the driver of the economy for which the cybersecurity industry is a subset?

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

cybersecurity industry and economic development --- If we agree that the cybersecurity industry drives economic development by which nations are judged as either undeveloped, developing or developed, would it be fair to conclude that cyber-criminals must continue to phish, attack and ransom in order to boost employment in cybersecurity centers, expertise and skills adoption thereby boosting economic vitality, profits and better standard of living?

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

a feasting ground for cybercriminals --- The alarming cybercrime-related statistics clearly indicate that online business transactions are a fertile hunting ground for cyber criminals who see billions if not trillions of dollars available for the taking by simply having some sophisticated and innovative piece of technology at hand. Thus cybersecurity has a direct kink to economic sustenance and survivability.

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

cost of doing business online --- It is normally understood through common logic that if one's cost of doing business outweighs (I won't even use the adjective significantly) revenue generated then this is a recipe for commercial disaster. similarly, why would companies being fully aware that there is an ever increasing cost to do business online and yet take that risk in the interest and hope that the next cyber-attack will not be targeting them? or the risk is worth taking in the hope of more profits? isn't such a philosophy a financial vulnerability translating into economic loss and possibly disruption of persons livelihood ?

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

which umbrella? --- When cybersecurity (online) becomes inextricably dependable or linked on traditional security (offline), what's the name of this common umbrella? do we now see a new "normal" in what we might term 'advanced domestic or international terrorism?' e.g. Identity theft takes a person's identity away (erased from the planet) by the stroke of an application program; such actions create both human rights and privacy protection problems coupled with the possible loss of economic livelihood for many.

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

repercussions - merger of online/offline --- We have seen that online activity can and does lead to physical violence in the real world; and example is cyberbullying and even the present prosecution in the US court system of the rioters who attacked the US Capitol where many of these groups use Telegram or similar platforms to encourage supporters toward incitement and eventually storming of the Capitol which left at left one person fatally shot and many others wounded. This raises the issue of freedom of expression and right to free speech; should one's freedom to free speech violate the security of others? is this a human right violation?

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

and online patient information --- Patient information is also increasingly online and shared among medical facilities (at least in the US). I have no idea how secure this information but I certainly hope it is given how sensitive it is.

Source author: Scott Spence scott.a.spence@gmail.com

obligation to inform customers --- In this case, the DNA company should be (or in some cases must be) obliged to inform customers that their DNA information could be shared with law enforcement. I suspect, however, that they would get very few customers in this case! But to share it without some warning to customers makes them potentially liable in law.

Source author: Scott Spence scott.a.spence@gmail.com

Human/weakest link/organised crime --- I definitely see your point, Scott. However, one thing is the weakest link of daily human behaviour in carelessness and lack of attention to digital higiene. But in these criteria we see organised attacks -- a user cannot avoid being attacked, although we can protect ourselves. So I don't necessarily agree that it's user error in the half of these criteria that record attacks. Unless, of course, you're talking about the human weakness in the tendency to evil and criminal activity :(

What do you think?

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

Bitcoin for national currency --- The fluctuations of Bitcoin are so dramatic I was really surprised to see that El Salvador is using it as a national currency (replacing the USD). If anyone has some idea of how the Salvadoran government is going to even out its fluctuations I'd be interested to know.

Source author: Scott Spence scott.a.spence@gmail.com

the human element --- One element comes through these criteria loud and clear: the human element. It would appear that most if not all of these cybersecurity criteria are based on human error and fallibility, that is, people exposing themselves and their equipment to cyber attacks due to naïveté, a lack of education and awareness about the importance of personal measures to stay safe (as much as possible from cybercrime), etc.

Source author: Scott Spence scott.a.spence@gmail.com

offline and online crime: can be a bundled problem --- I noted in my mid-term assignment paper: "...as online methods may be used to facilitate an offline attack (for example, organising through a WhatsApp Group to prepare for a kinetic attack by drone on a nuclear power facility) or there could be a crime combining the two whereby a critical facility is demobilised by an online hack and then attacked by a group with criminal intent (whether terrorist or otherwise) to damage or destroy it". So I agree with the premise of the paragraph in this reading.

Source author: Scott Spence scott.a.spence@gmail.com

A Thousand Brains, A Thousand palaces --- The book referred to by Biljana, “A Thousand Brains” by Jeff Hawkins proposes a theory to which I am partial. Hawkins’ theory corresponds with a model of the brain which parallels the understanding and a practical application by Arthur Conan Doyle’ Sherlock Holmes.

Holmes uses his brain in an unusual manner employing the principle of the ‘memory palace.’ So, the metaphor is a palace, in practice many palaces, inside the brain – rather than many brains.

This model is a little like Tony Buzan’s ‘mind mapping’. These are maps which combine words and images into a coherent map of an idea, theme, or topical subject. But the memory palace is not a mind map as generally described in today’s literature.

A memory palace (also known as a mind palace) is a structure you build in your imagination, where you consciously deposit memories and attempt to retrieve them later. Sherlock uses the technique in various episodes of the series, to recall major (yet easily forgettable) facts that are relevant to a case. For example, in the “Last Vow.”

A memory palace involves memorizing lists of discrete objects, words or faces by first mentally visualizing the layout of a geographical area and then mentally “walking” through it, attaching items to specific locations within the area. By then simply retracing one's steps on the route, the items can be recalled.

This technique goes back to Roman times; Giordano Bruno is a Renaissance figure who reintroduced the Roman technique. Bruno taught his university students, the mind or memory palace technique and he recommended creating as many as the person was capable. In this sense ‘a thousand brains’ or ‘a thousand palaces’ correspond.

My interest is to apply these principles of neurobiology to the discipline of neuro-learning. These are the principles adapted from the science of learning to information synthesis, comprehension, retention, and breaking down complex subjects for the purpose of clear thinking.

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

Poetry as a code --- Thanks for this reference, Eric! The Chinese would often lose their jobs and be exiled for any 'laise majesté', which is why it was essential to code one's criticism. This was often done by reciting poetry whose world view might be opposed to the one being advocated.

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Distinguishing between them can be hard --- Yes, Mamta, 'I'll think about it' as a way of saying 'no' is definitely an example of a performative. The hissing is an example of signalling at a cultural level. In other cultures a slight whistle might signal appreciation. This is like shaking heads vs nodding them, the significance of which differ across cultures. Diplomatic signalling occurs at an international level. All of these are coded forms of communication, hence the fuzzy borders! I can't always tell them apart either!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

in the framework --- of an agreement. The main clause contains the very "agree."(This is the action they will take.)"The "framework of an agreement," is how they propose to carry out that action

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

Both sides agree --- agree that discussions be held. This is the main clause. Using the verb "agree," is a form of action or speech act as in a performative.

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

The US --- "does not seek a long-term policy..." Does that mean that a short-term policy will be in order?

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

On Resolution 1244 --- I analized the sentences in this resolution: -When they say "Determined to resolve", you should be aware of the target. Actually, they say to be determined to, but they don't say it's their goal, just that they would like to do it.... -When they say "Determined to ensure the safety", it's the same case as above. -When they say "As required", they don't give a determined figure; -When they say they request de Secretary-General to appoint a special representative, they are limitating him, as he should do it "in consultation with the security council" -In the annex, it is mentioned: with all the necessary means, but they don't specify which ones... -In annex 2.9, there are many aspects for which many actions must be needed as monitoring capacity in the country, coordination of the international participation, etc...

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

What does "the ends justify the means" mean? --- In this article, when the author says "the police cannot operate legally in foreign countries", I would say nor can the military or DEA investigators, even if they have "permission from some authority". That is why many Mexicans and our president are against the DEA's past actions in Mexico to stop drugs or bring weapons into Mexico for the same purpose. Many of these weapons were proven to have been used in crimes as well as to arm the cartels. In a recent article published by the NBC News, according to US authorities, “70 percent of firearms reported to have been recovered in Mexico from 2014 through 2018 and submitted for tracing were U.S. sourced”. And, according to the Mexican government, “at least 17,000 homicides in 2019 were linked to arms trafficking”. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/not-normal-big-flow-us-arms-mexico-cant-denied-author-says-rcna1700 2021 [Accesed 30/11/21]

Despite this, the U.S. still wants to sell us the idea with sentences like “to help to modernize the country’s military”, as shows this article from Reuters, published last August:

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/mexico-near-deal-buy-sig-sauer-automatic-rifles-us-sources-2021-08-03/ [Accesed 30/11/21]

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

Constructive ambiguity --- In my opinion, ambiguity can be useful, but in cases such as the examples shown in the article (constructive ambiguities in diplomacy), it only reveals the "cunning" of some countries to continue to handle problems of other countries at their discretion; problems for which they may have an interest in maintaining and do not want to recognize them as this would imply responsibility.

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

As an Economics professor said... --- "In the long term we will all be dead".

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

And venues --- The same may apply to "venues" since the adjective "Olympic" does not necessarily has to cover it as it does with "sites".

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

English form another perspective --- Thank you very much for this reading. It explained to me many things that I don't understand in writing: they are simply misspelled or poorly written. It also dignified the English language in my head. I had always thought English language was very poor and that English speakers needed to use a set of words or metaphors to say something or borrow sometimes words from other languages, out of context.

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

Underspecification --- It says that the US is not seeking a policy on sales to Taiwan but will continue to sell them (even without a policy) and will reduce the amount of weapons it sells until there is "a definitive resolution," but it does not say when will that occur.

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

Ellipsis --- In Spanish they are avoided by putting a comma, for instance: 1. The horse raced past, the barn fell 2. The old, man the boat 3. The dog I had, really loved bones 4. Fat people, eats accumulates

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

Fighting --- The presupposition is that "We had been fighting (we had been fighting with each other but was stopped by a factor".

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

past diplomacy vs modern diplomacy --- It presupposes that past diplomacy was good, but the modern is better. This is comparative status of good, which means that we had a good diplomatic approach in the past, however the modern diplomatic approach is better than the past.

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

presupposition --- it presupposes that there are dynamics existing between countries. Also, it presupposes that dynamics were already defined but now redefined by the modern diplomacy

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

presupposition --- It presupposes that there is still conflict or it presupposes that conflict still exists, but in a reduced level.

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

five influential diplomats --- I think when we can talk about five influential diplomats from who we may be influenced, they should not be from the five UN permanent members. Because their belonging to the five powerful and rich countries directly influence other nations. we need to give examples of developing or underdeveloped countries who are true diplomats and have extra ordinary diplomatic skills and knowledge which influenced diplomats of 5 UN Permanent members. This is because these diplomats will play their role as diplomats without hard power of their respective countries.

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

The Innocence Gap --- In this session we learn that: “We are studying the gap between what is said and unsaid.’ We appreciate, at the conclusion of our study, that the whole content of this course could be contained under the heading 'gaps'.

A ‘gap’ in language is equivalent to a vacuum in nature. Aristotle coined the phrase “nature abhors a vacuum.” Some of the reported findings following 11 September 2001 confirm that human nature also abhors a gap and will fill it with a pre-determined reality rather than the evidence which it is incapable of understanding.

The 911 news reports include this narrative: “The most telling part of September 11, 2001, was the interval between the first plane crash at the World Trade Center, at 8:46 a.m., and the second, at 9:03. In those 17 minutes, the nation’s sheer innocence was on display.”

I apply these thoughts to this visceral example. It speaks volumes about our human nature, not in our words but in our behavior and actions. We learned during the course that language is action; and we understand the truism that actions speak louder than words. Therefore, consider this time gap between the first plane crashing into the Twin Tower and the 17-minute gap to the second plan crashing into the second Tower.

By 8:40 a.m. the aftermath of the first crash was live on the nation’s televisions. Though horrified, many Americans who saw those images still went on about their morning. They filled the gap between what the news reports said and showed and what they believed to be reality.

In New York, the commuter-ferry captain Peter Johansen recalled how, afterward, he docked at the Wall Street Terminal and every single one of his passengers got off and walked into Lower Manhattan, even as papers and debris rained down from the damaged North Tower.

Contrary to what they could see and hear many Americans did not adjust to the new reality but walked into the “innocence gap” of a devastated downtown Manhattan. In another sense, there was no gap, time stood still for America; and during that hiatus a new narrative erupted into the culture with a new frame to explain a disturbing reality.

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

WikiLeaks Indictment is a crossfire of conditionals --- In their own words the Wikileaks website describes its mission as : “principled leaking,” as necessary to fight government, individual and corporate corruption.

If there was ‘damage’ done in the Wikileaks publications it was a reputational damage to the institutions associated with the conduct of illegal wars. It is debatable how much reputational damages was incurred by institutions that misled the public in the conduct of international geopolitics.

Factually, there has been no evidence of any individua suffering physical harm either in the present case nor in any past WikiLeaks publications. Even the FBI formal accusation takes no issue with the actual language or words of the publication.

There FBI formal accusation (indictment) is “a crossfire of conditionals.” The language of the formal accusation is worth close study. There are no documents introduced to show malice or wrongdoing. It is comparable to the release of the Pentagon Papers which exposed the illegal wars in Indochina.

The Wikileaks formal accusation and case asserts no witness testimony. The unfavorable media asserts that confidential sources have been harmed but there is no evidence of that claim in the indictment.

From the perspective of an uninformed public the Wikileaks information and images released are verifiably true; and there has been no denial with respect to the content.

The information disclosed was essential for a public to form an opinion on the conduct of its government. Presumably the US remains a constitutional law country; as Lincoln declared in his Gettysburg address it is a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.’

Significant is the fact that WikiLeaks was not the only organization that published this information. The UK Guardian and Germany’s Der Spiegel also published this same information without consequence.

Truth is its own defense is a long-standing principle of jurisprudence. As much as Assange may not be characterized as a journalist and publisher, the thrust of the declaration of facts is to accuse him of conspiring to commit espionage.

The charge is not even that Assange hacked a US Government computer and obtained classified information. The charge is that he may have discussed it with Chelsea Manning and may have had the intention to go for a hack. George Orwell’s presence regarding a “thought crime” is the essential charge of the indictment.

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

Two points --- First, great orators like Barack Obama have a habit of leaving long pauses, which lets the message "sink in," so to speak.

Second, the unsaid allows a listener to fill in the gaps; if the priming is just right the audience will get to the conclusion by themselves and will therefore internalise the message.

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

Not 100%... --- I feel that the most significant gap is just after the sentence ending in the phrase "mass destruction."

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

Can't help it --- Children complete my life. We've run out of painkillers.

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

Embassies roles against Zimbabwe Sanctions --- Embassies have huge roles in lobbing against the sanctions. SADC members countries have agreed and endorsed October 25th as Ant-Sanction Day. The decision taken as solidarity with Zimbabwe. Member states through their Embassies abroad, normally meet the host countries and pledge for the country supports against Zimbabwe.

Source author: Frank John Mhina frankmhina01@gmail.com

Sanction Russia by the EU --- It has been extremely difficult for EU to sanction Russian especially when it depends on Russian natural gas for 24%. Russian knows this, and when it was threated by the US and EU to put sanction, it shifted towards China and opened new market in reaction to the said threat. The EU didn’t like this move, knowing that it will drive up prices since they are facing competition for suppliers. Since China is on the picture, it will create the balancing and the EU refrained.

Source author: Frank John Mhina frankmhina01@gmail.com

Travel ban for Kenyan officials in 2007 --- It is typical smart sanctions which Kenya experienced in 2007. The Post election violence caused the death of thousands of people, leave with no option for the U.S than to put travel ban for 30 prominent Kenyans, who were alleged to inciting violence.

Source author: Frank John Mhina frankmhina01@gmail.com

Specially in autocratic regimes --- This stubborn resistance is more likely to happen where there is a presence of autocratic regimes that are willing to risk anything for the status-quo

Source author: Juan Carlos Pomareda jpomareda@onuperu.org

Comunist autarchy economy --- The autarchy, meaning the self-sufficiency and economic independence of a State, was the goal of communists countries for avoid the dependence to capitalists countries. Obviusly, it failed.

Source author: Juan Carlos Pomareda jpomareda@onuperu.org

Indeed!!! --- It is always the case that sanctions imposed on a country do not affect the targeted personnel of the regime upon whom they were imposed but rather the innocent multitudes. Zimbabwean Robert Mugabe and many other African leaders have not been affected at all in their livelihoods. Mugabe died as one of the richest people Africa has ever produced.

Source author: Malefetsane Dominic Mosala mosalalaw@gmail.com

OPEP --- Perhaps this factor was decisively for the creation of the OPEP, for the reason to manage oil supply as united guilt and increase their negotiation power vis a vis the most industrialized countries.

Source author: Juan Carlos Pomareda jpomareda@onuperu.org

Equilibrium? --- This is an interesting case because Russia has the main source of gas which Germany and the EU depend but on the other hand EU is the main buyer, so in the terms expressed in the lecture, Russia would have a monopoly, and Germany and EU a monopsony, so can we talk about equilibrium in the economic strength?

Source author: Juan Carlos Pomareda jpomareda@onuperu.org

The US embargo against Cuba --- I totally agree with you, Prof. Maciel. A very clear example is the case of Cuba. The embargo against that country since 1962 by the US, is a political decision whose main affected is Cuban society because it faces high conditions of poverty and marginalization in a country where the State has control of all means of production, where large companies are owned by the State, where the economic system presents difficulties to create value and capital and where the private sector is very small and has great difficulties to survive. Societal desperation has fuelled recent protests against the Cuban government. The United Nations have estimated that the embargo has cost the Cuban economy $130 billion over six decades.The embargo against Cuba is one of the measures most condemned by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, where every year, since 1992, a resolution against US imposition has been approved.

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

Also the politization of the sanctions --- The sanctions most of the time lead to other fields as humanitarian consequences, which are addressed in fields such as multilateral discussions in the context of UN meetings (UNHCR, UNHCHR, IOM, etc). The economical sanctions often referred to as unilateral coercive measures by the sanctioned, allegedly causes a humanitarian crisis in those countries.

Source author: Juan Carlos Pomareda jpomareda@onuperu.org

Reciprocity principle --- I didn't know that Amb. Rana, but thank you very much for sharing it with the group. India was in its right to apply the principle of reciprocity, which, far from any controversy on the moral plane, it's essential to protect the interests and the supremacy of a nation in its search for equality; that's what politics is about.

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

Comment --- Some African oppositions use domestic economic sanctions/boycot against brands that are perceived to be owned by the ruling party leadership— example could be Kenya.

Source author: Dubo Mohamed mohacpr@gmail.com

Comment --- Sudan seems to have been removed from the list.

Source author: Dubo Mohamed mohacpr@gmail.com

Question --- Will violations against environment and climate change constitute economic sanctions?

Source author: Dubo Mohamed mohacpr@gmail.com

Economic diversification --- So Zimbabwe still depend on the primary sector of the economy? I can imagine how sanctions still affect people´s livelihoods. However, I hope that after a while this kind of challenges help Zimbabwe to diversify by building a powerful industrial base but also engage into the new economic activities of the services sector.

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

electronic devices --- Also some nations use this power to control raw materials that are essential for other countries technological development. Like Marilia said, this is the case of chips produced in the US that are later used in electronic devices produced by China.

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

World War IV --- And luckily there are a lot of strategies that can be used before a nuclear war attempt against humanity. This reminds me of Albert Einstein´s quote that mentioned 'I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones'.

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

Huawei example --- That´s true. Huawei is an example in this regard. Even though is not completely run by the Chinese State, many major decisions are in concordance with the party´s interests. So we can often see joint-actions in particular issues to expand the presence of China in world economics.

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

Side-effect of sanctions --- That's a good observation on the power of sanctions to galvanise sympathy and solidarity towards the targeted state, Matshedisa. I have the feeling some sanctions just end up entering in "auto-pilot mode", being renewed without a critical thinking and sharp analysis of their utility and effectiveness towards achieving the intended goal.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Non-military alternative --- Having an alternative to war does not mean that military actions will not be carried out - unfortunately sometimes unilaterally and without closely observing the parameters of international law. The existence of alternatives is positive to the extent they reduce the pressure that could lead to escalation, by offering other non-military courses of action.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

re. the case of Myanmar --- Yes, Cecilia. Analysts of the situation in Myanmar say that sanctions had little effect. Western countries had no leeway since Myanmar easily turned to other partners in Asia. Moreover, sanctions reduced competition among the private sector, making it easier for the government to exert control over the remaining companies. Sanctions provide moral support to social movements, but also isolate the country from the global flow of ideas that could bring oxygen to the social tissue. It is a good example of how sanctions, as applied so far, are unlikely to bring about change.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Abusing the idea of 'national security'? --- Absolutely, Tarniem. And about a week ago, the Biden administration added more Chinese companies to its trade blacklist, saying that some of the firms have supported the modernization of China's army. Perhaps some of them do raise national security concerns, but 'national security' has increasingly become an excuse for countries to introduce trade restrictions that would advance their economic, technological or general geopolitical interests. This is very concerning, as it undermines the rules-based predictable trading system.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Reward & Punishment as universal principle --- The concept of Rewards and Punishments is universal. Meaning, that international monetary, financial, commercial and economic system represents a global order led by capitalist and corporate interests. Therefore, Economic Statecraft inclusively implies that economic priorities of major corporations can also lead to significant impact on strategic decision making related to security and foreign policy which is driven and constructed on basis of economic standing.

Source author: Waqas Mahmood waqasmdogar90@gmail.com

Elliot Abrams and Venezuela --- The Trump administration appointed Elliot Abrams as the Special Representative for Venezuela after recognising Guaido as legitimate Venezuelan Leader in opposition to Maduro. The role of Elliot Abrams in previous sanctions imposed by US against other countries also provides interesting & good case study of idea about economic strategy, plan and programs behind the sanctions.

Source author: Waqas Mahmood waqasmdogar90@gmail.com

Just out of curiosity --- why was it that Pakistan never reciprocated MFN status to India and did India ever request?

Source author: Lapologang Judah lapoduna@gmail.com

the Zimbabwean current president.. --- and the majority of those in the ruling party are on the sanctions list too..

Source author: Omphile Sethunya Sedimo sedimosethunya44@gmail.com

very true .. --- @Dominic and the subsequent humanitarian crisis is a cause for concern which by and large does not only affect the citizens but the neighbouring countries as well given the influx of economic immigrants as is happening now with Venezuelan nationals...

Furthermore, chances of such countries attracting FDI are minimal at the most, due to the perception of such a country being an investment risk...and yet we have highlighted on this HT platform that developing nations need FDI for economic development...So one wonders with the extended sanctions in some countries in the Global South, when are they going to catch up to the ever widening economic gap with the Global North..

Source author: Omphile Sethunya Sedimo sedimosethunya44@gmail.com

North Korea --- China appears willing to assist sanctioned states like North Korea and Cuba. When states receive foreign sanctions breakers' assistance, the probability of sanctions succeeding is greatly reduced.

Source author: Matshedisa Emily Mokoena mokoenamati@gmail.com

SA Trade and Cultural Sanctions --- One major goal of sanctions was to isolate South Africa and draw attention to its inhumane treatment and oppression of its own people, as well as its antagonism toward neighbouring countries. Sanctions harmed South Africa's international reputation and contributed to the dismantling of the system that supported apartheid.

Source author: Matshedisa Emily Mokoena mokoenamati@gmail.com

Zimbabwe sanctions --- At the time, President George W. Bush imposed sanctions in the hope that "the people of Zimbabwe will soon enjoy political and economic freedom again." However, this has not occurred. Instead, in the nearly 20 years since sanctions have been imposed, Zimbabwe's situation has deteriorated. Biden has also extended the sanctions in March. Also, sanctions tended to elicit solidarity towards Zimbabwe in that in 2019 the SADC member states declared that October 25 should be observed as the "Zimbabwe Solidarity Day," calling for the removal of all sanctions imposed on the country

Source author: Matshedisa Emily Mokoena mokoenamati@gmail.com

Enhancing national capacities through tourism --- I can see that many countries with an important cultural background are becoming more and more famous for their abilities to attract foreign direct investment in the tourism sector. This advantage should be used properly in order to create the enough infrastructure to enhance national capacities to treat traditional tourists, but also aim to attract new tourists from different segments and foreign markets.

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

Centralizing only useful when there are enough resources --- Centralizing foreign investment activities is only useful when the coordinating entity, in this case the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has the enough resources to handle such a responsibility. If not, the coordinating entity will create a blockade to information and decision making. This situation won´t allow the free performance of other actors that have important contributions to commercial promotion.

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

Export diversification --- Along with an export basket based in several products, trade promotion should also aim to the diversification of foreign markets. Different countries are used to only export their goods and services to their traditional partners, particularly neighboring nations. However, when there is a significant trade dispute or the trading partner is reducing its ability to buy, this situation has a real impact on exports. So, as far as possible, this commercial dependence should be modified.

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

Tourism --- In Namibia, Tourism falls the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and forestry. Just like in Pakistan, The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation carries out heavy marketing campaigns abroad via its Network of Embassies aimed at advertising the country as a top tourist destination.

Source author: Simataa Matali simatamatali@icloud.com

The importance of global supply chain --- Cecilia you are 100% correct!

The development of supply chains contribute greatly to any economy because without the movement of goods in and out of the country, no trade can take place. it is for this reason that the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia spearheaded the search for investors in the expansion of the Port of Walvis Bay, the country's only deep water port.

Source author: Simataa Matali simatamatali@icloud.com

Global supply chain --- I agree. As a small market of 2.2 million, Botswana cannot compete with South Africa who are already advanced in the automotive manufacturing industry. However, to tap into that industry, we are focusing on attracting automotive components manufacturers who can supply the South African industry with components such as harnesses, leather, car locks etc. We have since managed to secure some companies that are now supplying South Africa and have created a significant number of jobs for our people.

Source author: Lapologang Judah lapoduna@gmail.com

Tourism, Aviation, Infrastructure and IT as enablers --- In Pakistan, The Tourism aspect is associated with Aviation and Infrastructure development. Recently, Pakistan experienced unprecedented and rapid growth in revenues from Tourism. This is also due to promotion by MoFA to promote Pakistan as next emerging tourist destination. For marketing, the Foreign Minister directly leads the Public & Economic Diplomacy campaign and programs.

Source author: Waqas Mahmood waqasmdogar90@gmail.com

WGA --- MFAs play a critical role of being a coordinator for all their country’s external activities. This ensures a coherent narrative from all stakeholders whenever they engage with foreign entities

Source author: Lapologang Judah lapoduna@gmail.com

Who write this kind of reviews? --- I agree that relying on isolated studies is dangerous and can lead to biased conclusions, but not being familiar with these types of reviews, I'm curious to know who writes them so that they are as reliable as possible but at the same time that the information is translated efficiently for the needs of decision-makers? Researchers or boundary spanners specialized in the topic or …?

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

receiver and giver dynamics --- That's very true, it is very unfortunate that this linear model gives off the impression (misconception) to some people and reduce the role of scientist in policymaking to just sitting on the sideline providing findings and evidence.

Source author: Sovanndanit Roath sovanndanitroath@gmail.com

understanding vs creation --- just from observation, i would say Engineering and technology are more about creating while science is more about understanding and discovery.

Source author: Sovanndanit Roath sovanndanitroath@gmail.com

Dis-information --- Social media is a method to spread information and help everyone to know or search related knowledge and information. But there are many disinformation and misinformation full of social media only for their politics interests. People support these (dis/mis)information without doing fact-check or too much information to afford, they choose to follow without thinking.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

relevance of the knowledge exchanged --- I to a certain extend agree, but would add that before the knowledge exchange can happen, it is safe to assume that the "knowledge" to be exchanged is already considered as relevant to the actors.

Source author: Sovanndanit Roath sovanndanitroath@gmail.com

a future boundary spanner --- As far as I am concerned, I think that I could be a boundary spanner in the near future for 2 reasons: I have a good knowledge of the scientific world in particular in the field of health and I can easily understand the results of a scientific research. Secondly, I have been trained in diplomacy and international relations and thus have the capacity to set up the necessary networks and collaborations needed to establish the science-policy interfaces.

Source author: Désiré NEBOUA dneboua@yahoo.fr

understand vs feel --- I prefer to say to understand in replace of to feel.

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

fast or slow? --- I think policymakers are too slow in making decisions, e.g. with all the evidences regarding climate change they were too slow. even now they are behind the progress of science in artificial intelligence.

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

In the same boat as Carlos --- I share the same boat with Carlos with my scientific background and diplomatic position. I can't hide my excitement knowing about this profession, because I always find it hard to describe to people what I really do. Sometime I use science administrator, or I advance scientific work while in fact I am in between these two worlds. Having watched the video, I confirm I am. Especially for being known as a connections freak, opportunity seeker, simplifying science, sharing research project results and reducing the gap between players.

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

HCST --- Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST) in Jordan is the example of the independent model of Boundary Spanner. I worked there for more than 4 years and I can confidently say this is their mandate. They recently initiated a scientific advisory unit. I wonder how can this unit take a position within the government while feeding from the work of HCST. Thinking of way to become integrated by bringing in more politicians or parliamentarians to advocate their outputs. otherwise, it will stay at this level.

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

Agree --- One of the functions, important one. And for this to function well, you need the structure to serve it. I always think of the parliament structure. How can this knowledge exchange happen if there is no science committee exist or is represented in this body of informing decisions and policy making? Speaking of my country, Jordan. I also saw parliaments like in the UK and UK where there comes scientific committees, names may change, however, these committees too struggle with communications and other issues and fight to be able to come to the discussion and be able to influence, but having the platform is so important and teaching them how to develop the language and make use of timing to be able to be part of the decision.

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

squeezed between cherry-pickers --- the example of health care: medical service providers, pharmaceutical industry, insurances, politics with different parties often don't have the same perspective, and my feeling is that it is human nature to pick the best cherries unless you have incentives to do otherwise or are reprimanded for doing so. A good example on how policies can change or at least take some influence is the (relatively recent) evolution on Pharma: the way they are allowed to influence prescribers, how they are fined for undeclared issues, the obligation to publish research protocols, etc. Still, part of the public opinion distrusts data from the industry, as the covid vaccine issue shows (the paradox and lack of logic in it is shown by the fact that the same people count on less studied Covid medication, but this is another story)

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

Meta-Analysis and Systematic Reviews --- providing the highest level of evidence of interventions, this type of work is extremely time consuming and not really rewarding, and you better don't calculate reward/hour of work. Despite they gain more and more reputation in the medical decision world, the "problem" is they regularly show that an acknowledged and widely used intervention (and which may profit to several parties/industry etc) is not that beneficial, or benefit only under certain circumstances (which may need further research). And to make the connection to what I wrote under 4., the fear is that an intervention that is beneficial under certain circumstances, might be completely retrieved (from reimbursement for example).

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

the guts to take risks in uncertainty --- in this case his debatable state of mind was an advantage that saved many lives. How risky this was in a society that has a low tolerance to side effects is shown by the AstraZeneca debacle later in Europe.

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

distrust among doctors to share data with policy actors --- there is an important distrust among the medical actors to share data -even anonymised- with decision makers. One of the reasons is the fear of unwanted share with others (insurances for example), but another is definitely the fear of instrumentalisation for example to cut down budget, to restrain the use of certain therapies, to reduce the medical personal's autonomy, and several more. So data transmission occurs with resistance and with a potential unwanted end-use in mind, which means not as it should be: neutral and unbiased

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

A culture of (individual) success --- I totally agree with you! Unfortunately I feel that we value too much success of one's vision or opinion. Furthermore, the ego of some people but also communities, including scientists, can prevent to find common solutions. As an example, I want to take evidence based medicine guidelines, who vary between countries according to which specialty is stronger/better represented (it has big repercussions for examples on surgical vs conservative therapies). What if we start to reward the one who made the step towards the other?

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

Role of Science Diplomats --- As we discussed eventhough there is a common "feeling" for finding a solution to the problem or for the progress of the society/ nation, when scientists and policy makers come together the common language is missing. I think this is exactly where Science Diplomats takes their role in bridging these 2 communities making a symphony rather than a cacophony

Source author: George Thomas georgethomasdesk@gmail.com

Connected and distinct --- You may be right (and I fully agree with the vision that all policymakers should also have scientific literacy and mindsets), but it seems there's still a long road ahead! I would argue it is important for scientists and decision-makers to be able to connect, speak and align on a regular basis, while also safeguarding what makes science and policy different and distinct institutions in society.

Source author: Nicolas Seidler Nicolas.Seidler@unige.ch

Good example --- Interesting example! A prime example of the need to articulate both science and political/social considerations when taking a public policy decision.

Source author: Nicolas Seidler Nicolas.Seidler@unige.ch

Simulations --- Very practical ideas Veronica and Vid to develop empathy in the science-policy relationship! At the GSPI we are also going to pilot some role-playing games so that decision-makers and scientists can test decision-making and collaboration patterns in the face of scenarios of future risks.

Source author: Nicolas Seidler Nicolas.Seidler@unige.ch

vaccination protocols for children in different countries --- As a GP confronted with vaccination schemes for children from different countries I was wondering about the differences that had no geographical reasons. And I learned that these recommendations are also influenced by regional predominant "beliefs": for example in Switzerland, recommendations for baseline vaccines are below what experts would recommend, in order not to give vaccine sceptics (yes, they existed before Covid19...) reasons to say: so many vaccines are not safe for a baby, and not to get their children vaccinated at all. The idea is that it is preferable to as many children as possible with the most relevant vaccines than having fully but less numerous vaccinated children.

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

The future of policymaking --- I am a boundary spanner thanks to my scientific education and my job as diplomat. But I consider this term will diseppear since all policy makers will have to include science in their desition making processeces. It is true than ideologies still predominate, but is also clear that not considering science is a weakness and undermine credibility of policies so I think (I hope) soon every policy maker will be a boundary spanner

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

Access --- The lack of access is related to at least 3 elements: (1) many papers are behind paywalls; (2) papers are not necessarily published in outlets that policy actors consult; and (3) policy actors cannot necessarily understand the technical content of papers.

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

Laudability --- Thank you for your comments here. Indeed, traditionally, the use of science in policy was thought of as a way to rationalize public debates and policy decisions. But political realities are different and, while many institutions become more technocratic, policymaking reamins a deeply social progress. Therefore, the role of science should be seen as part of this process. A question: would you agree or disagree that it is a laudable goal to depoliticize science IF it was possible?

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

Politics --- Thank you very much for detailing out this specific context!

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

Who you know or what you know --- Indeed, my apologies for the misunderstanding! As you say, I think it depends a lot on networks, which then allow to understand specific contexts and how scientific knowledge can be brought and framed within them. As political scientists tend to say: informing policy depends on who you know, rather than what you know!

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

Culture --- Interesting! Yes, culture may provide the glue that is needed to build trust in and foster openness towards science.

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

Article --- Thank you for sharing!

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

Uncertainty --- Good questions. I honestly don't know. My intuition is that the science or evidence that are often used in policymaking often do not capture the dynamics of complex systems that policymakers must navigate. They may be as evidence-based as possible but still fail because of systems complexity. This calls for a different way to conduct science and to generate pieces of information that allow to explain rather than describe or predict only.

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

Incept, Inject, Infuse Ethics into Science-Policy --- The education policy could be that natural science students and trainees be offered the option of social science courses as electives or 1-2 as even mandatory, and vice versa.

For example, I took a primer on Ethics, a course that covered the dos and don'ts of research (research ethics) but also the ethical normative principles that come handy in resolving dilemmas, such as the ones we covered during this course. I saw the value in the latter enough to take on further studies but also incept, inject and infuse it into science-policy conversations, such as the one we're having! :)

I would submit ethicists are quintessential boundary-spanners!

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

Any Immersive Experience will do --- Bingo, you shared a very practical mechanism, a low-hanging fruit even Veronica! During my PhD 1st year, I had 4 rotations (internships / traineeships / apprenticeships) before choosing the laboratory I wanted to carry out research for my dissertation. Similarly, it would be immensely beneficial for scientists to support or at least shadow policymakers for few days/weeks/months and vice versa. One might not like what they find, but if they were to work with the other, they'd at least know what to expect (minimises elements of surprise & confusion and the stress they bestow)!

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

Empathy, cultural differences, gender issues... --- ...all of this can have an impact on how actors "feel" about each other. Building empathy taking into consideration cultural differences, gender issues and whatever else is the building block to establish trust, that leads to better understanding or at least to a higher availability to try to understand the other part's point of view. But building trust needs longer times, and, as said, policymakers have not (this is also why Diplomacy exists, doesn't it?)

Source author: Veronica Elena Bocci v_ele_bo@hotmail.com

Technicians in the Ministries --- Your last point, Voyko, makes me think that in Italy we are more and more used to use Technical Ministers in some kind of Ministries (e.g. the former President of the Consitutional Court at the Justice Ministry; the Dean of a University at Education, University and Research Ministry; etc.). This, on the one side, reduces the technical/knowledge gap in policymaking, but sometimes also shows missing political skills, this bringing to other types of problems.

Source author: Veronica Elena Bocci v_ele_bo@hotmail.com

Scientific vs. political language --- Good point, Kiconco. I'd definitely answer the second, as the operational accessibility to a database doesn't mean you can actually "understand" its contents. And the scientific abstracts provided are a good starting point, but not determined.

Source author: Veronica Elena Bocci v_ele_bo@hotmail.com

Purpose vs. tool --- As well pointed out by Voyko, technology is an enabler, helping Science (and out of SD also industry, etc.) achieve what wasn't possible before, or in an easier/faster/lower cost/etc. way.

Source author: Veronica Elena Bocci v_ele_bo@hotmail.com

"Traineeships" for scientists? --- Being in other people's shoes usually helps see things differently and boost mutual understanding. In these examples, a similar exercise could help scientists understand why, as policymaker, you cannot simply "copy and paste" the inputs Science has provided you with, rather your role is a daily exercise of synthesis of multiple and complex needs, putting your face on that.

Source author: Veronica Elena Bocci v_ele_bo@hotmail.com

Agree + transparency --- I fully agree with you, Patrick. Politicymaking is based on politics, that is a social science that has to be conducted on its own basis, not to be substituted by inputs coming from a non-democratic process of selection of "who/what vision you want to be ruled by". Other aspect is the transparency in policymaking: explaining why you are taking such a decision should become a way to responsabilise policymakers and make grow citizens' awareness. Unfortunately, in the many law preambles you usually see cited many previous laws and few references to science-informed inputs.

Source author: Veronica Elena Bocci v_ele_bo@hotmail.com

Media and Science --- Shouldn't in this case be the role of (free) Media to fill this gap and bring into the discussion science-informed information to the general public?

Source author: Veronica Elena Bocci v_ele_bo@hotmail.com

Politics as social science itself --- As politics (hence also policymaking) is a social science too, is this part of "Science" included in the evidence, methodologies, knowledge, and expertise provided to policymakers, also to help reduce the 'distance' between the two parts in understanding themselves?

Source author: Veronica Elena Bocci v_ele_bo@hotmail.com

How to make peope feel "change" --- I always meet a question: "How to make people feel or know the government did right policy or decision?" And this is very difficult to show the beef at the short time. This is not a magic show.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

EIPM failure? --- @Maxime...To understand better, do you think that governments relying on EIPM to back their economy (and quick back to normal) policies have been hit back especially with the new variant siege with travel restrictions and so on? If they would have relied on SIPM, dont you think the recurring variants and the increase in covid numbers could have been warranted and measures to restrict could have been in place?

Source author: George Thomas georgethomasdesk@gmail.com

The link between science and technology is two-sided --- I think there is a two-way link between science and technology. It is true that scientific knowledge advances with the scientific research, but the latter is facilitated by the presence of increasingly advanced technological tools, sometimes conceived to support scientific evidence. Technology is therefore also one of the determining factors of science.

Source author: Vojko Bratina vbratina@katamail.com

S&T policy makers should read scientific literature --- A policy maker in the field of S&T doesn't necessarily have a background education in science (although it would certainly help), but should at least read some scientific literature. You don't need to graduate from Physics or Engineering to read abstracts and conclusions of articles published in main science journals (even highly specialized scientists read only that). That would increase the perception of the potential brought by science in solving policy issues. Not doing it, would mean that policy makers neglect the scientific communities, thus contributing to miscommunication. In the modern world we live, the lack in accessing scientific literature is not anymore an excuse. As a Minister of Finance would dig into benchmark trends to understand the volatility of the stock exchange market, I would expect something similar from a Minister of Science and Research

Source author: Vojko Bratina vbratina@katamail.com

Boundary-spanner --- Very happy you can relate to this critical role in society!

Source author: Nicolas Seidler Nicolas.Seidler@unige.ch

Knowledge brokering --- Very pertinent remark, fully agree. This type of work is actually very much part of what the GSPI does. You can find some general ressources here if interested: https://gspi.ch/kb/

Source author: Nicolas Seidler Nicolas.Seidler@unige.ch

Data on research funding policies --- Interesting perspective. Do you have any data point on the proportion of national researchers applying to national, regional vs. international instruments in your country?

Source author: Nicolas Seidler Nicolas.Seidler@unige.ch

Education --- Great point. The misfits we see later down the road between science and policy certainly find many of their roots in the fact that people develop different mindsets and specialisations through education. Should we open up more dialogue with people in charge of education policies in government?

Source author: Nicolas Seidler Nicolas.Seidler@unige.ch

Building trust and capacity --- You touch upon a key aspect here which is building trust and common understanding between parties. Politics as a social process is more used to that kind of activity (although there are of course many disagreements in political processes), science much less. Getting towards science-informed policies requires factoring in that type of trust building, alignement and capacity building. What kind of capacity building do you think would be useful?

Source author: Nicolas Seidler Nicolas.Seidler@unige.ch

This should be the mandate of --- I believe there should be a unit within the Prime Ministry to manage all strategies and make sure they are online with national priorities. Then each sectoral body responsible to draft strategies will be hold into account by that unit. By that we will have less duplications of work and more consistency of national efforts. This will also unify communications and the efforts from the sectoral representatives. If the question on who to work on the strategies, I will refer to the boundary spanners who sit in the interface between science and policy

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

Corruption and collusion --- Thank you for your detailed answer! Your last point, regarding corruption, is actually very valid, I believe. Often, when discussing the challenges of evidence-based policy, we emphasise other structural challenges and omit corruption/collusion as strong forces against the use of evidence/reason. It is important to remind ourselves, here, that they exist in all political systems and thus should not be discarded!

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

Structure --- Excellent, thank you for your detailed and complete answer! Indeed, the more people is involved, the more difficult it will be to covnerge towards common goals and common communication cultures. You could add another set of experts who precisely work on facilitating the exchanges between the different groups to make it easier.

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

Task force --- Thank you! Let me challenge you a bit: aren't task forces usually created to inform political debates (in which there are activists, politicians, etc.)? If so, do you disagree with this model, then?

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

Communication --- Yes, I fully agree. I suppose scientists tend to refrain from creating a narrative because narratives are also informed by values and worldviews and thus might be less neutral. There is thus this trade-off between effective communication and neutral communication. Of course, it's not one or the other, but I believe this trade-off is what makes many academics hinge on side or the other too much.

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

Adaptive management --- Thank you, Aura, for following up on my question. This is very appreciated and the solutions you outline make a lot of sense. Indeed, I think we should not be dichotomic here and think that one approach (inclusive, slow) is better or worse than the other (exclusive, fast), but rather find the middle-grounds that may be the most effective solutions. I think the field of adaptive management/governance may provide solutions here, i.e. a set of practices that have enough plasticity to adapt to various time, values and knowledge constraints.

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

Communication --- Thank you, Aura, for clarifyigng these points. Indeed, one may have the best data, at the right time, to the right people but, if badly communicated, can still have 0 impact.

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

Do no harm --- Interesting. Building on the 'do no harm' approach, there is this new book by Cass Sunstein which gives some rules of thumb on how to make decisions in the face of crises and precisely on how to avoid worse case scenarios: https://nyupress.org/9781479808489/averting-catastrophe/

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

Professions --- Yes, I agree. That said, I'm more and more wondering whether academics/researchers should not simply double down on research and, instead of training them to engage, rather boost new professions at the interface. C.f. boundary-spanners below.

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

The art of story telling. --- creating a narrative instead of simply citing statistics and facts is key to a good communication. It is important for scientists to link their findings to the real world, by using different tools, be it real case studies or imaginary scenarios. it is also better to be straight to the point and avoid unnecessary technical details, and try to minimize cognitive burden on the listeners as much as you can.

Source author: Sovanndanit Roath sovanndanitroath@gmail.com

strategy --- - compare the result of different decision - give an example of right and wrong decisions in other countries - try to divide the solution in short-term approaches

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

failure --- - investigating the budget in a wrong case - solving the problem only in a small region and not solving it in whole country

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

failure --- - number of waves of the pandemic - number of deaths in comparison to the global average - number of infected people - lack of essential health equipments like mask, ventilators

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

experts --- Definitely, I will include the health sector and also politicians, social activists. Even in some countries, one can include religious leaders if the public trust their advice. This team should also monitor the situation in countries with similar situations to learn from their mistakes to give better advise.

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

task force --- 1. Infectious disease experts (Medical doctors and virologists from government and private institutes), epidemiologists, data scientists, as well as other healthcare professional representation (eg: nurses, safety officers etc. ) 2. Law/policy makers, diplomats, political advisors- Based on scientific staff advise, they will implement travel restrictions (foreign and local) and other preventative measures<br /> 3. Economists, large scale private investors/donors, Philanthropists – Will work on the financial aspects (advise on allocating the budgets etc. ) 4. Communication specialists, politically unbiased media personnel and journalists, social media representatives- It is important to have a team of “well informed” media personnel as that is the main source of information for the public and prevent misinformation. <br /> 5. Regional/local government representatives, Religious representation- Refusing the vaccine due to religious faiths has become a big issue in tackling the COVID pandemic. Having religious leaders reaching out to their communities would really be helpful. (This was successfully done in Sri lanka)<br /> 6. Tech experts – To create strategies/methods for contact tracing, record covid testing, vaccinations

Obviously, it is a large team of people with a lot of diversity in opinions, knowledge and background. The team should be carefully selected so that everyone would be open to listen to evidence based scientific facts and act up on it for a common collective goal to mitigate/eradicate the disease. (But I understand its not an easy task)

Source author: Lakmini Premadasa lakminisurangika@gmail.com

Flexible structure --- Thank you @Maxime for challenging this point. I think the most important thing is to give yourself the means to create the right balance and do not think about a unique solution or trade-offs. Maybe by structuring the task force in such a way that it can be flexible according to the specific moments when it will be necessary to act more or less quickly. Increasing the number and types of experts can lead to a slowing down of the process and this is incompatible with an emergency situation. On the other hand, I think that in a situation such as a global health crisis affecting every sector, social class, or way of life, one cannot rely only on the advise of "a few" individuals who can only partially assess and represent reality (and not only scientists who sometimes can be disconnected from reality or from the policy-making process). A solution to navigate between trade-offs could be the organization in working groups, to increase efficiency but also independence in each specific area + different levels of actions and prioritization of information depending on whether actions and projections are discussed in the very short, short and medium terms + one or more chairs who, during the regular meetings common to all the working groups, can moderate, facilitate the discussion and convey effectively the outcomes at the decision-making level.

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

Chief Science and/or Health Adviser to the rescue --- Thanks Maxime for raising the issue of trade-off to maintain neutrality (I would modify this to say 'to arrive at an optimal solution', which may not be neutral per se) and arrive at a decisive approach (while being open and adapting to new evidence) in a time-bound manner. Governments have succeeded/failed to varying degrees, based on its own and its citizens' values. Having an adequately supported & trusted Chief Science and/or Health Adviser in place can enable decision-makers to not start from scratch but short-circuit the evidence gathering and deliberative processes to some extent, in an event like a pandemic.

Peace-time vs. war-time decision-making will have to be different, out of necessity. Of course, if the evidence gathering & deliberative processes are in place to begin with, war itself could be prevented or responded to with its ravages to a minimum.

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

Impressive --- Thanks Maxime for sharing this very useful resource. I'm particularly taken by its simplicity and brevity, and rather effective.

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

Interesting, but to whom? --- Thanks Maxime for sharing this very interesting analysis from earlier this year. I wonder if the authors will plan for a follow-up, considering a lot more has happened since they published the article.

Which brings me to my next point - who is the intended audience for an article published in BMJ? It seems this would be lost in the sea of academic papers, if it doesn't reach the influencers, in this case the policymakers (at least one author is from WHO!) in countries who need to pay attention to the lessons learnt.

This stands out to me: "We also recognise that Covid-19 task force compositions are not the sole indication of whose voices are included in decision-making. "Governments must recognise the multidimensional effects and needs of society during this Covid-19 crisis and consult more broadly and across disciplines, within health and beyond health, based on a true multisectoral paradigm. More importantly, more transparency is needed regarding who decision-making bodies are listening to as a basis for their decisions. Now more than ever, the voices of those who are at risk of getting left behind need to be heard."

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

trade-off of a diverse task force: low speed when fast decisions are needed --- Thank you Muna for your listing, which I would have initially tough of and supported as well. But thinking about it again, I think we have to distinguish between what is needed for immediate "emergency response" and more medium-long term response. Comparing it to how it works in an emergency medicine department, where interdisciplinary work under time constraints is essential, there are many examples where having too many advices (the surgeon, the anaesthetist, the cardiologist...) have led to time delay which in the end killed the patient. But continuing on this example, to determine who has the leadership and to respect it, is very difficult, because everybody has its own perspective.

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

Values & Identities --- Thanks Maxime, I attended the launch of this report, and found it interesting & useful that I felt compelled to share with the group (on the blog)!

PS: A correction needs to be made in my comment: '...dealt with less uncertainty', and now it ought to make sense!

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

delving further --- Thanks! I'm interested in your thoughts regarding some comments above regarding trade-offs faced when setting up task forces.

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

Distinctions --- Yes, I think this is an important distinction. Thank you very much for clarifying it!

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

Delving deeper --- Great, that sounds very reasonable. I advise checking some comments above regarding the various trade-offs encountered when setting up diverse or larger task forces. Interested in your thoughts there!

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

Two communication strategies --- I think this is extremely relevant. See this report on science communication for different value systems: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC126150

Indeed, communication must be different for different audiences.

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

Trade-offs --- Excellent, I think this is very exhaustive. One question (which I asked in other threads above) relates to: what are the trade-offs associated to more diverse, large task forces? If you add more points of views other than scientific expertise, you may lose neutrality. If you add more people with diverging view, you may lose time while needing to act fast. What is most important here? And how to navigate these trade-offs?

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

Solutions --- Interesting! I think these are very valuable reflections on how to robustly improve the use of science. One question would be: who would or should do this work?

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

Misuse --- Good, I think that's a great example of a tractable way to assess whether there was a misuse. How to prevent this from happening?

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

Multiple commissions --- Very interesting, thanks for detaling all of this! Have you seen this model somewhere? Did it work?

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

Time constraints --- Thanks for following up! I suppose another trade-off beyond independence/objectivity is about time constraints. In time of crisis, governments have to act fast. Including more people in task forces might lead to more representative views but to do this well it might slow down the response, which can be detrimental for societies as well. How to navigate all of this?

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

Most important decision-makers --- Who, in your opinion, are the most important decision-makers? It is context-specific, of course, but do you mean heads of departments/states or rather mid-level management that can perhaps move the needle more easily by focusing on substance rather than approval? Or other actors?

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

Misuse --- Yes, this a great example of mis-use of science. Where politicians may arguably say "we used science, such analyses xyz" to hide their lack of action.

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

Accountability --- Good question. I think it is very difficult to attribute policy failures to single groups because the causality chain is much more complex. It is known, however, that many task forces weren't set up properly and were either not diverse enough or not fit for purpose: https://gh.bmj.com/content/bmjgh/5/5/e002655.full.pdf

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

Task forces as a sounding board --- Do you think that a task force could also serve other functions than technical support? For instance, it could serve as a sounding board for politicians such that they have a place to openly discuss issues without necessarily bringing them to political venues.

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

Timelines --- Yes, this points at an important topic. Scientific input can be at odd with policy agendas, in which case scientific engagement might not be sufficient and thus might require some forms of advocacy. Alternatively, it may require to train people to change their behavior, values and think about short and long-term concerns differently. There is this interesting paper that makes the case that nothing can really be seen as a short-term issue: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016328720301427

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

Trust & co --- Interesting points! Yes, an interesting dynamic lies in policies' effectiveness and how other factors, beyond evidence base, contribute to it. For instance, one may have a set of policies that are well researched but if they are implemented in a context with low trust among the population, then policies may have low effectiveness (because of lack of buy-in, friction in implementation, etc.). Of course, trust could be factored in the research that substantiates policy design but it is often overlooked.

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

Incentives for academics --- I agree with you Maxime. The issue at the moment why scientist are not interested in politics is that they dont have the time to dedicate for the same with the kind of funding they have. If each of these experts are given training to involve in diplomacy along with providing incentives (not necessarily financial) like recognition, avoiding political influence on their projects, etc- this would go a long way ahead. Also giving them a platform like the WEF, GYA, etc

Source author: George Thomas georgethomasdesk@gmail.com

Counterfactuals --- Excellent point. And thank you for providing the report. Indeed, in policy design, policymakers need to navigate scenarios and understand the counterfactual impact of policies. What is becoming more and more common as well is the development of digital tools that allow policymakers to run simulations of their policies not to predict but to visualize that their policies may have either positive or negative effects, etc.

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

Boundary spanners --- Indeed. One solution to this problem may lie in the emergence of the new profession of boundary spanning. Boundary-spanners work full-time at the interface. As a result, they allow academics to focus on research only and policy actors to make decisions, and they take care of communication, facilitation, etc.

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

Values --- Thank you for weighing in here, Vid. Yes, I think the value question is central here. I highly recommend this new report by JRC on how policymakers can better navigate different value systems when making decisions: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC126150

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

Separate investment and trade promotion --- There are also a number of arguments in favour of separate investment and trade promotion institutions. Investment and trade promotion require different skills, and staff work with different clients that are often located in different countries. Furthermore, trade promoters usually work within shorter time frames than practitioners in investment promotion, where client decisions are generally more strategy-based and aftercare is of growing importance. These and a number of other factors limit synergies and the extent to which efficiency and greater impact can be achieved through an integrated approach. Finally, evidence from some countries suggests that cost savings and synergies can be obtained to a certain extent even with separate agencies, through collaboration arrangements in key areas. Whatever the circumstances, investment and trade promotion practitioners should not work in “separate worlds”. Some common ground is likely to exist between them, and they may find partnerships to be fruitful.

Source author: Simataa Matali simatamatali@icloud.com

consensus is serious decision-making --- I disagree whole heartedly. Consensus (albeit messy) can lead to serious decision-making. Treaties are strongest when there is broad support for them, for example, rather than a handful of States telling everybody else what to do.

Source author: Scott Spence scott.a.spence@gmail.com

Certification bodies and cybersec frameworks --- This is an interesting question, Alan.

On national levels, there are various accredited institutions/companies which deliver training and certification on behalf of those global certification bodies. Whether they are included in the development of national frameworks depends on the level of inclusiveness and openness of a particular government towards other stakeholders in shaping the national framework. Whether they should be involved - they certainly should, since their work can serve as (parts of) security baseline requirements set by national policies, and these institutions know what are the key challenges with certification.

On the international level, interestingly, all these communities seem to work in silos. I haven't seen much of the involvement of international standardisation organisations or big global certification bodies in cyber-norms processes, for instance. There is a need to bring those groups closer to policy-making processes - and make policy-makers more awareness of the role of certification and standards in general.

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu

Thank you Stefanie --- Thank you Stefanie, for the clarification. My point is that for many countries it is a huge challenge to address some of these priorities even applied only to cybersecurity, because they involve many other aspects of the economy and the society. I understand that those are only indicators, but being realistic could be useful also to address the challenges ahead

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

Realtime --- This will require a strong PP relationship. Currently our CSIRT issue warnings and guidelines to treat with possible threats (proactive to an extent) however I dont believe real time monitoring is achieved.

Source author: Shabanah Mustapha shabanah.mustapha@igovtt.tt

Trinidad and Tobago --- The key focus areas area as per the 2012 Cyber Security strategy were: Governance Incident Management Collaboration Culture Legislation

I am uncertain if this strategy areas were revised

Source author: Shabanah Mustapha shabanah.mustapha@igovtt.tt

CERT --- Our CSIRT is also a small team that responds to security incidents in a technical capacity

Source author: Shabanah Mustapha shabanah.mustapha@igovtt.tt

How do they contribute? --- IT Certification bodies have an important role, which is to keep up to date the standards that govern the IT sector. Furthermore, certifications have a nigh impact when people is looking for a job. Because if you hold a certification means you are updated on the latest standards in the market. However, I would like to know if the certification bodies contribute in some way to the policies or framework design?

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

Priorities --- In my opinion same as the function of the CERTs, the priorities also depend on the states available resources. For example developing countries should prioritise education/awareness raising as well as cooperating with other CERTs and national institutions in charge of policies and strategic planning. Developed countries should prioritise investigation and information sharing. They should also act as international or regional points of contact to help developing countries. This would ensure or at least help the establishment of bases for a global cybersecurity growth

Source author: Diego Alberto Estrada Ramos destrada@sre.gob.mx

Elders --- Though I agree youth must start getting cybersecurity classes at school, I believe its important to include the elder population in this awareness-education process for they are (along with children) the most vulnerable side of the population. This awareness will also encourage younger population to learn and be more aware of the risks

Source author: Diego Alberto Estrada Ramos destrada@sre.gob.mx

Training --- I believe that developed countries can and should help developing countries with cybersecurity training, but since there is nothing that forces them to actually do it I hardly think it will happen. What I believe developing countries should do is to search and adapt the policies that can be used from developed countries. In the meantime they can train as much personnel as they can so later they can search and adapt new policies.

Source author: Diego Alberto Estrada Ramos destrada@sre.gob.mx

CERT in Ukraine --- CERT-UA, subdivision of the State Center for Cyber Defense of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, was founded in 2007 and Ukrainian legislation defines its tasks:

collection and analysis of data on cyber incidents, maintenance of the state register of cyber incidents; practical assistance to owners of cyber security facilities in preventing, detecting and eliminating the consequences of cyber incidents on these facilities; conducting practical seminars on cyber security; preparation of official recommendations for combating modern types of cyber attacks and cyber threats; and others.

Source author: Valerii Paziuk paziukvalerii@gmail.com

Cyber the most used word --- @Stefanie. I agree. crime is crime and terrorism is terrorism; What I have noticed that there have been too many "plausible" and "politically correct" words being used to cover illegal behavior.

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

Telekom CERT Germany --- Please read up on CERTs, as I think there is a misunderstanding on what their function is. I already sent a post on what the task of the CERT Bund in Germany is. And here is what the Telecom CERT does:

This is what TELEKOM Cert does for the companies of DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG and customers who pay for this service and for no one else:

Deutsche Telekom's Cyber ​​Emergency Response Team (CERT) is internationally responsible for the management of security incidents for all information and network technologies of the Deutsche Telekom Group.

In this way, for example, the CERT takes on the important task of protecting the company and its customers from dangers from the Internet. The CERT is the central point of contact for reports of such incidents and establishes mechanisms for the early detection of attacks on internally and externally accessible systems.

The tasks of the Deutsche Telekom CERT include: • Security incident management (Cyber ​​Incident Management): Coordination and management of critical security incidents. • Strategic Threat Radar: Identification and assessment of threats in the context of current and future core technologies of the group. • Advisory Management: Evaluation and distribution of security warnings and recommendations for action within the group, as well as monitoring the implementation of critical security updates. • Security audits: Review and evaluation of security architectures, security processes and system landscape in company areas that are exposed to an increased risk potential from the Internet. • Vulnerability scanning: Regular implementation of security scans of the portals and systems accessible from the Internet. In addition, Deutsche Telekom CERT is the international point of contact for issues relating to Internet security and cyber crime: Cooperation in various projects and initiatives with the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), the European Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA), the European Commission Union (EC), the Federal Criminal Police Office, as well as the industry associations GSM Association (GSMA), ETNO and the Forum for Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST). The Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is currently a particular focus of Deutsche Telekom CERT. On this topic, Deutsche Telekom CERT has set up a project together with the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). This should work out which security technologies and processes are suitable to provide comprehensive protection against such threats. The results are made available to the general public.

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

Brain drain --- @Stefanie. Taken on a whole in the interest of internet stability, where the "brain drain" issue is seriously depleting the technical, academic and R&D skills and abilities of developing countries, wouldn't this be perceived as a concern to global security if such gaps are permitted and hence become areas of vulnerability to the entre Internet community?

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

best practice --- @Stefanie I am not against best practices which may be defined as the best fit for a particular situation at hand. However, best practices must be rooted in an understanding of what are the issues at hand, what is each other's understanding of these issues (which may be subjective) and hence such understanding (definitions) have permitted each person to act as they perceive the problem; best practice tells them that's not the best solution despite their respective understanding (definition) of the problem. Best practice may likely look at a compromise solution (CBMs, soft policies, etc) which have successfully worked in jurisdictions A or B; my point is that a proper understanding or definition of the problem (terms) is key to providing solutions for which best practices come into play. I assume that best practices are designed for success and peace (in this context) and not necessarily to aggravate even if this may seemed the best solution.

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

About Mexico --- We have many colleagues from Mexico in the course, so I will try to add to the discussion of our national cyber security architecture. I had read a very interesting article aimed at international companies interested in investing in Mexico. It was published by the website “The Legal 500” in 2021, and it contains thought-provoking points. (https://www.legal500.com/guides/chapter/mexico-data-protection-cyber-security/). Mexico has a National Cybersecurity Strategy. However, it does not have an independent national body dealing with the matter of cyber security. The issue is under the purview of the National Guard, a body that reports to the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection. Specifically, cyber security issues are managed by the National Guard’s General Directorate of Science.<br /> The National Strategy was adopted in 2017. The National Guard was established in 2019, suggesting that it might not be aware of all the efforts made before its establishment. Previously, the Federal Police was the body responsible for implementing the strategy, and it was later replaced by the National Guard, as part of a revamping of security institutions. I will look more into how the National Guard is implementing the national strategy, but considering the Mexican example, states must ensure continuity of all the cyber security efforts. One issue to be addressed by Mexican experts when exchanging good practices with other countries can be how to continue actions that have proven effective amid institutional transformation.

Source author: Juan Feliciano Ascencio Moctezuma jascencio@sre.gob.mx

CERT --- No, this is not ture at all. A CERT handles and responds to a cyber incident (technically), the media element comes into play if the incident becomes a crisis and there the CERT is again ONLY involved in the technical part of it. At this point you need cyber crisis management with experienced cyber crisis managers (states and companies might have a crisis management team and handbook), and they will coordinate with the communications liason and develop a strategy.

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

CERT --- we should discuss this, as this is not really true.

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

CERT --- Sorry, but why should you not be able to trsut the CERTS????

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

Brain drain --- this is mainly a problem in poorer and developing countries. In the old EU this is not really a problem, as governments pay very well.

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

CERT --- The duties and task of a CERT are very simple and text book:

tasks and goals The main tasks of CERT include, among other things:

Creation and publication of preventive recommendations for action to avoid damage, References to weak points in hardware and software products, Propose measures to remedy known security vulnerabilities, Warning or alerting in the event of particular threats (related to information technology) and Recommend reactive measures to limit or eliminate damage. It may also include (this is a ressource question and can vary from country to country)

24-hour on-call service Operation of a situation center, Analysis of incoming incident reports, Creation of recommendations derived therefrom, Operation of a warning and information service and Active alerting of the federal administration in the event of acute threats.

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

CERT --- trust me not only in Africa:-)

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

best practice --- There is no riddle. You have misunderstood what cyber secuirty best practice means and entails and this has NOTHING to do with defintiions. Your misunderstanding stems from the clear divide between theory and practice. As we say in German paper is patient and everyone can write anything they want in particular about cyber. The reality is that 80% of the great theoretical advice fails in the field. Once the cyber criminals attack and your entire infrastructure is crippled and your data and back-ups are encrypted, all these wonderful theories become null and void. This is the moment tht you need best practices: how have others in the field dealt with such an attack? What mechanisms were used? How to conduct forensic? Who is the best for this problem? Who is the best perpetrator negotiator? etc, etc. Strategies, theories, CBMs, etc. all of this is nice to have but they are not tailored for the real and brutal world of cyber. ONLY best practice help here.

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

Defence and offence --- @Stefanie Sorry if you misunderstood my line of thought or my previous HTs on cyberweapons. What I seek to present in this last HT was if one intentionally caters for offensive capabilities then theoretically they are thinking in the event that there might be the possibility in the future when these may be useful. Of course in conventional warfare, OCCs are catered for and as such the same can be and is being done in cyber. As mentioned in previous HTs, cyber is simply another domain from the convention air, sea, land, space and air. Your suggestion about disabling one's defense by bombing their facility was never understood to be a cyber weapon; what we have articulated is that in cyber space, such a scenario may be analogous to covertly set up lethal electronic weapons at what we termed "a threshold" (wherever this state may be) and eventually executing. In a nutshell, my point is that if one makes provision for war then that expectation may be a possibility. Further, if we have articulated that no one has a unified and accepted definition what a cyber attack is or even what constitutes an attack, then we are in a state where every nation can provide its own subjective definition which may trigger an intended cyber war. Its rather unfortunate that with all these "cyber conflicts" that we have noticed that we would come to the conclusion that there will not be a cyber war!! If the comparison is extended to the conventional physical world, why was there World War 1 and 2 and even a threat of 3 with all these major powers having nuclear and atomic bombs (comparison to OCCs in cyberspace)?

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

Selling cybersecurity as economic issue? --- Thanks Juan for this reflection on G20 - especially the level of cyber-readiness of some of the key players there.

There are increasing efforts to link the economic discussions with cybersecurity. In particular, 'selling' cybersecurity as an indispensable factor of economic growth.

The professional lingo of the two communities, however, is different: even the word cybersecurity doesn't resonate well in the economic communities, as it reminds them of an issue which belongs to the security sector portfolio.

One suggestion includes re-framing cybersecurity as 'digital security' - a prefix 'digital' resembles development, digitalisation, innovations.. and is closer to their ears. But could this, instead, cause more confusion in the cybersecurity community?

We can discuss this during our last week of the course.

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu

Multistakeholder approach in national processes --- Ioniarimalala, thanks for sharing this guide by the GPD. It has become an important part of the knowledge repository of the GFCE on developing national strategies.

Many countries still stick to 'formal consultations' only, ie allowing for a window of opportunity (commonly 1-3 weeks) of open consultations on a almost-ready draft of the national strategy; if they receive any inputs at all (and often not, because they don't even inform the community widely about the consultations), those inputs are not seriously taken into consideration. This leads to a document which was entirely produced by the government, yet whose implementation inevitably relies on other stakeholders - which were not involved and don't feel the ownership of the process. Result: document remains collecting dust on a shelf and never gets implemented.

It is important to make national policy-makers aware of the roles and responsibilities of other sectors in national cybersecurity, and nudge them to involve stakeholders from the early stage of strategic planning. This requires longer process and more resources - but if a trusted multistakeholder community is built beforehand on the national level, such strategy can result with might higher chances for implementation.

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu

ITU report --- An important finding in ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index from 2020 is that there are still many gaps among regions. The report recommends further cooperation on capacity building, including developing training programs that address specific needs of citizens and micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This issue should guide international discussions in the years to come, as there seems to be a common understanding that expanding digital capacities is key to global economic prospects.

Source author: Juan Feliciano Ascencio Moctezuma jascencio@sre.gob.mx

Participation in various forums - and challenges --- Alan, this is a very good question: how inclusive are different forums? On the UN level, we have seen that the UN GGE was not for everyone - though not for the reasons of avoiding some actors, but rather for gaining space for more direct conversation among the leading powers plus few others. Those few others were, however, chosen to represent geographical diversity, and based on the interests expressed by states to participate. The fully inclusive OEWG now involves all the states, regardless of their capacities and level of tech development.

Some other, non-UN, fora gather like-minded countries or political or regional blocks. Other, like GFCE, accept anyone who expresses interests and commit to contribute - though members keep the right to block the access of some countries (it rarely happens, however).

There are several important questions related to inclusive participation:

• How can small and developing countries, with limited human resources and finances, follow ever-growing number and diversity of fora? Should they prioritise, and how? What are the trade-offs for this?

• How to develop capacities of states to meaningfully participate? Is participation in fact the capacity building at the same time (common argument for the inclusive OEWG)?

• Could participation of states that don't have sufficient capacities to meaningfully contribute possibly slow-down - or move backwards - certain fora (it was a common argument for GGE - there would have been no acquis if all the countries were involved from the beginning)?

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu

Eurasian Economic Union --- Another interesting regional endeavor on cyber security is the once carried out by the Eurasian Economic Union (made up of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, and Russia). The EAEU also sees the digital economy as essential for economic growth. It adopted a document titled “Main Directions of the Digital Agenda of the EAEU by 2025.” The union collaborated with the World Bank in 2016 to undertake a review of the digital economy framework of member states. Not surprisingly, the review showed that to be successful, the region’s digital economy architecture must be developed adhering to high-security standards. The World Bank recommended to “create institutions and procedures aimed at solving issues of digital security, preparing for cyberattacks, combating cybercrime, and increasing general public confidence in the digital ecosystems underlying the digital economy.”( https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/850581522435806724/pdf/EAEU-Overview-Full-ENG-Final.pdf) An essential task of member states will be to even the ground. There are countries with a very developed cyber security infrastructure (Russia was ranked in the Global Cyber security Index of 2020) and others that lag (Tajikistani was ranked 128).

Source author: Juan Feliciano Ascencio Moctezuma jascencio@sre.gob.mx

G20: Incentives --- Cyber security will become more relevant in G20 discussions. It is very positive that the digital economy is now seen as one of the engines of inclusive growth. Nevertheless, the expansion of the digital economy brings more risks. Therefore, there must be a serious effort to link the work on cyber security with the work on the digital economy. Although new international discussion platforms entail possible duplication, bringing the topic to the G20 raises its profile, thus forcing member states to take more concrete actions that can be later showcased in the group’s meeting. Many G20 members rank low in the 2020 Global Cyber security Index. For example Mexico (52), South Africa (59), and Argentina (91). Actively participating in the Cybersecurity Dialogue Working Group will force them to analyze their state of affairs and catch up with the other members. There is a strong political incentive in being perceived as a responsible player, especially when they have the tag of “one of the world’s largest economies.”

Source author: Juan Feliciano Ascencio Moctezuma jascencio@sre.gob.mx

Room for everyone? --- ConsideringConsidering that not all countries have the same level of expertise, technology, and priorities, and having into consideration the importance of the subject. Do you believe that any country interested in being part of the forums must be accepted? Do you believe that the participation of these countries should be based on their technology capabilities?

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

May be not really the threats --- As mentionned in the report that i've shared previously, the cybersecurity is not the priority of developing countries. Like my country (Madagascar), we have not defined what are the CI and the threats on the cyberspace is considered like having no important impact on the economy. May be these 31 other african countries are facing the same issue.

Source author: Ioniarimalala RAKOTONIRINA ioniarimalala@gmail.com

National Policies --- The NCS should set the guidelines and act as the cooperative interface, but it is best served if there is a separate cyber foreign policy strategy.

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