Cybersecurity necessary to implement core mandate --- If an organisation's work depends on the use of internet and related technology, then measures towards ensuring cybersecurity should be considered a necessary strategy to implement their core mandate. It should form part of the organisation's initial risk assessment, the same way physical or financial security is prioritised and assessed.

Source author: Pavitra Ramanujam pavitra.ramanujam@gmail.com

South Asia lies between Central, East and West Asia --- Pakistan neighbours Afghanistan, India, Tajikistan, China and Iran. It serves as a crossroad between East, Central and West Asia. South Asia remains a volatile region with fragile environment. In order to build national infrastructure, there must be regional infrastructure to accentuate diplomatic efforts to pursue joint economic interests of South Asia in order to come par with East, Central and West Asia.

Source author: Waqas Mahmood waqasmdogar90@gmail.com

Local/foreign ownership --- I think any proper investment promotion framework should keep in mind a good balance between local ownership and removal of barriers for foreign direct investment. A full and non-controlled inflow of foreign direct investment could put local industries at the mercy of foreign companies’ interests; on the other hand, without sufficient permission to have an attractive participation in important sectors of the local economy, foreign companies will hardly want to invest. In this sense, the case of China is illustrative, since it established great benefits to attract foreign investment, while establishing rules for the participation of domestic companies in these projects.

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

Who is the lead-coordinator? --- I wonder with all the authorities that are present in Somalia´s economic promotion and were mentioned above, each with its own responsibilities, which ministry or agency is the main coordinator?

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

Think regionally --- Trade is fundamental to the economic development of a region. However, it also has broader benefits that support the process of Regional Integration. Nations that expand trade with others through liberalisation of trade policies increase economic growth and improve the quality of life of their people.

Source author: Mavis Tungulu mtungulu@gmail.com

Hard --- Harmonized actions can be challenging if not impossible sometimes with the leadership battles across offices. In Senegal, for example, there have been moments where on specific topics there were known clashes between agencies and other ministries departments. It was a result of a weird trend where agencies would be created and mandated to pretty much do the job of already existing and still functioning ministries' Departments. It has been sometimes very stressful for foreign embassies spearheading aid/investments efforts

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

4th Estate --- Amb. Rana you are making a very interesting remark about the "opponent" plague in how independent media are considered in Africa. That is one problem and the other is the substantial quality of those media when it comes to their role in "empowering" the public opinion/understanding which is slightly different to just criticizing and opposing. From what I have seen, the latter is one of their main weaknesses and new technologies even though it presents them with solid opportunities to circumvent govts. censorship and else, have also helped to highlight their blatant lacking, if not lagging as reliable/resilient "enabler of economic statecraft".

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

diplomats.. --- sometimes officials are frequently criticized for their limited understanding of business, lack of entrepreneurship and abuse of the diplomat’s power for personal benefit or that of their cronies.

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

Agreed --- Moreover, For example, Internationalised SMEs, marketing barriers can arise from difficulties in adjusting promotional activities to foreign markets, difficulties in offering technical and after-sales services, difficulties associated with excessive transportation and insurance costs and difficulties in supplying inventory abroad

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

In my opinion, --- Yes, as it can develop a high-level of trade strategy, in context of economic development plans and agree on the country plans and targets for trade representative

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

Setting up a singe export promotion agency.. --- could be combined with an FDI function, based on good practice in mature market economies, the establishment of such an agency should separate policy making from policy implementation

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

Ministry of Planning, Development, Reforms & Initiative --- In Pakistan, the Ministry of Planning, Development, Reforms & Initiative was formed in CPEC to spearhead CPEC projects being pursued through OBOR & BRI initiatives. The Chinese aid led to construction of infrastructure which created economic activity leading to economic returns and growth. The Chinese investment in Pakistan along with aid led to increase in economic, financial and business ranking of Pakistan rapidly during 2016-17.

Source author: Waqas Mahmood waqasmdogar90@gmail.com

Before Brexit --- The EU used to export significant amount of goods and services to the UK implying that some EU countries have lost economically due to the departure of the UK from the EU.

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

To be honest, the success of BD is so self-evident, that... --- ...India, and Pakistan too perhaps, are going to find it hard to explain to own publics why they don't do better.....And remember, the great Kissinger had called this country a 'basket-case'?

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Thanks for those details. --- It pays when a govt. has a clear vision on how it wants to work with its media, the more so with the independent media.....In too many Global South countries, especially in Africa, the latter are seen as 'opponents' and worse. One can find blameworthy actions on both sides, but in net terms, it is the govt. that is the loser when it does not have a clear plan on how to deal with its own Fourth Estate.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Thanks, Mavis. Can you please give some... --- ...hard statistics on FDI inflow into Namibia, say in 2019 and 2020 -- of course the latter year was exceptional, thanks to the C-19 pandemic.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Trade fairs the world over have gradually shifted... --- ...from a general purpose, image and product promotion event for general publics, to specialized events for particular product niches....At the biggest shows in Germany dealing with high fashion, be it shoes or handbags, some of the top show-booths are locked, opening only to identified clients. They don't want their design concepts to be copied.....But fashion information always leaks out.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Media as enabler of economic activity --- Working as a journalist & reporter in a newspaper organisation, I have come across the necessity of developing strategic communications based upon research. The Ministries can provide platforms to do this. The current govt in Pakistan has a strong media team to depict the work done in areas of non-military security which includes environment which is also connected with Tourism and Infrastructure. Work done for Human and Food security is also connected with fulfillment of SDGs and Pakistan Vision 2025 in order to promote Pakistan's image as country where sustainable solutions are highly prioritised and followed.

Source author: Waqas Mahmood waqasmdogar90@gmail.com

For example - Namibia --- The Namibian Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) a non-profit association incorporated under section 21, and established as an autonomous entity in the Presidency, and pronounced as a Public Enterprise in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Enterprises Governance Act, 2019 (Act No. 1 of 2019). NIPDB is mandated to promote and facilitate local and foreign investments and new ventures, to contribute to economic development and job creation.

Source author: Mavis Tungulu mtungulu@gmail.com

Trade Fair participation --- Is also a good opportunity for new products introduction and building relations.

Source author: Mavis Tungulu mtungulu@gmail.com

Singapore does this with technical assistance: That is.... --- ....money from Germany or Norway, to train someone in Singapore from the Global South....We had a fine project, won by a private Indian company, to set up a textile training center in Kenya, funded by the Dutch....It ran into strange problems. For Indian textile machinery, the Dutch insisted on detailed drawings. The Indian company had outsourced this from a small local manufacturer, who simply made this rather simple machine, without detailed 'exploded' drawings, showing each component and where it was sourced. But the project was completed successfully!

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Good Q. Let's collectively use a magnifying glass.... --- ...and see if we can find such Marxist remnants in China -- as a Class exercise. We should look for a concept that exist in more than a name, and is more-or-less unchanged from Marxist-Leninist doctrine.....Please join in....

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

That's a practical approach. --- If something is part of one's own system, besides trying to get a bad set of rules or standards changed -- and the scope for doing this may be finite -- one has to be practical and adapt....By the way, Singapore has a twist on such number crunching. They do ask for the number of new, useful contacts made by each diplomat, but they also ask for details of each contact. First, this checks on the 'quality' of that contact. Second, it builds up a vast information database.....A particularly open Japanese Amb in Algeria (a good bridge-playing friend) told me in the 70s that for information he used the local office of Japanese companies, who even by then had begun to collect vast databases on anything that might be useful. 'That you are a bridge-player will be in their data collection', he told me. And I had nothing to do with Japan.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

That is... --- ...absolutely right. In fact the jailing of the CEO changed a trade dispute into a political issue between two friendly countries....We had to take care not to push the other side into losing face (originally a Chinese phrase, now part of common idiom)...We also wanted to ensure that Indian business did not lose confidence in working abroad, and taking up complex contracts.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

are there any economic Marxist practices left? --- Thank you very much for your clarification professor, I understand that China abandoned several Marxist Marxist postulates after the founding of the People's Republic, but do you detect some concepts or practices of Marxism in the economic policy of the "socialism with Chinese characteristics"?

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

Numerical Goal Frenzy --- Actually, I am also worry about "numerical goal frenzy" since this might lead to report several non-important meetings or activities just to hit the goal. However, I have seen that some missions follow this perspective, including my current post. That is why whenever I get involved in the elaboration of the annual work program I always try to suggest numbers that are based on the reality of the office, but at the same time motivates us to develop more events, as long as they are strategic and in accordance to our interests in the region.

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

Faculties and interests to get involve in trade disputes --- I agree that besides orienting, mediating and helping to reach a negotiation agreement, diplomatic and consular missions cannot do more. However, as the example of India illustrates there are sometimes that the case involves big companies or industries, so the government, as well as its representative office, is willing to go an extra mile to involve in the trade dispute.

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

The quote you give from Deng is entiely apt. --- But as one that worked on China affairs for around 10 years (language, two assignments in Beijing and two more working on East Asia), China abandoned Marxism quite soon after the PRC was formed. The Great Leap of 58, and the ensuing famine of 4 years, and the Cul Rev of 65-70 had nothing to do with Marx or any other orthodoxy....But your deeper Q is very important -- we need today to understand China and its actions, as best as we can, even while so much about China is opaque and hidden. The real meaning of its statements is often very different from the words used.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

I am wary of looking at a tally... --- ...of 'numbers of local economic agents', or most of the detailed numerical data you give....It leads people to focus on numbers and not the real substantive promotional work....We will then have in political work, 'number of new local contacts' and the rest.....Unintentionally, it gives the wrong tilt to Embassy tasks. People then focus on getting the top numerical target, alas.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Very valid points, Ricardo Daniel. --- No one suggests that Embassies 'litigate' inter-company trade disputes, and besides gently suggesting a negotiated settlement, they cannot push for anything more.....Our 2011 compilation of Indian case studies (in our resources) gives an example of how a dispute in Asia went to the point of jailing of the company CEO, when he went to try a settlement. That meant the Emb had to play a role and that worked well.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Economic indicators as part of annual work programs --- Annual work programs of embassies and consulates need to include a target in terms of quantity and quality of events or activities in all the major areas of the missions, including the economic section. These goals should be set by the corresponding representative office in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some of the economic indicators that could be tracked are: 1) participation in trade fairs), 2) investment Intentions detected by the mission, 3) relationship with new local economic agents, 4) trade or investment missions supported, 5) economic seminars or meetings organized by the office and 6) orientation on commercial and investment matters from the embassy or consulate to domestic and foreign enterprises.

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

How far diplomatic-consular assistance can go to resolve private business disputes? --- Given that trade disputes are between companies and individuals, foreign government offices have limited faculties and resources to litigate them. However, the initial tasks that missions can carry out can be useful for each party to have a basic understanding of the counterpart's practices, customs and commercial position, which can lead to more easily reaching an agreement. When carrying out such assistance, the scope of the assistance must be made clear, indicating that any lack of agreement can always be resolved through legal processes in the corresponding courts.

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

OSINT and phishing --- One of the ways in which people make themselves vulnerable is also by the amount of information they voluntarily share in public spaces online. While it might seem innocuous, people share many personal details through text and pictures which can be used to phish them. I wonder if the culture of sharing online will change as the impacts of cybercrime are felt more. Will organisations insist that employees cannot have public social media profiles? Will accounts be vetted for security? I'm sure this happens for certain roles already but it will be interesting to see how much this will prove to be a vulnerability that needs to be fixed.

Source author: Pavitra Ramanujam pavitra.ramanujam@gmail.com

Is verification of message origin possible? --- When phishing happens through use of big platforms like Facebook, is it not possible for these companies and/or email clients to create a system of verification of where the message originates and warn users before they open the email/message that it is not a verified source?

Source author: Pavitra Ramanujam pavitra.ramanujam@gmail.com

CI or Essential --- I would say its dependent on the definition of CI, National security is essential and if its compromised or become non-functional many CI's can become vulnerable.

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

Remote work --- Tools to facilitate remote work; Communication Tools - emails, video conferencing, chat Remote Access VPN's - access to Intranet from Home

In addition, banking, telecommunication, electricity

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

lockdown --- I agree with you both, @Florence and @Thomas. My point was that without the easy availability of internet, politicians would have not decided to order the lockdowns at the same time everywhere in the world and the public opinion would have not accepted so easily such orders. Internet was part of the solution but also part of the problem.

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

pandemics --- Maybe this comment is a little bit farfetched or anachronic , but I would say that if we have had not such an advanced intrusion of internet in our daily lives, works, political, social and economic activities, the COVID-19 global lockdown would have not existed. This kind of pandemics have existed before in human history but the effects have not been so severe and widespread. I do not defend the position that saving lives should be not a priority, but it is a fact that without internet occupying so much space in our lives, the COVID-19 lockdown would have been simply unthinkable.

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

Future networks --- future smart networks are different from the first internet model, because they are built with security being on focus, while the first internet model was not. There are real investments (financially, resources, etc.) in security research and developments.

Source author: Muna Hemoudi mhemoudi@gmail.com

IXP Operations --- Not only attacks from outside, operating an IXP is difficult and crucial. Sometimes incorrect routing information are propagated by mistake and without validating BGP announcements, which causes internet disruptions and allows IP hijacking.

Source author: Muna Hemoudi mhemoudi@gmail.com

true --- the pandemic has changed our priorities. I also think that the pandemic did not bring anything new, rather than amplified what we already have, bad or good.

Source author: Muna Hemoudi mhemoudi@gmail.com

critical services --- Financial and health services.

Source author: Muna Hemoudi mhemoudi@gmail.com

Technonationalism --- The ongoing feud between the US and China on the Huawei issue lies simply on geo-political power play and not telecommunications - both superpowers believe in using the respective telecom companies and even the chip manufacturers to gain a technological advantage in the ability to facilitate espionage and surveillance on each others' human and institutional assets; hence Huawei and China Telecoms are believed to be Chinese Government controlled. To this end, the US and Australian Governments agreed to buyout mobile Service Provider's Pacific network for billions of dollars to avert any possible purchase by China Telecoms which would have supposedly given China a glimpse into western homes, businesses and governments. The war continues.

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

uninterrupted operations --- In telecommunications we speak of UPS - Uninterruptible Power Supply where should the main power line is disrupted or fails there is an automatic backup high capacity generator with battery and rectifier support together with double fuel supply and in some cases and extra generator. similarly, if the internet backbone is seen as so critical to international internet traffic, communications and trade, why isn't there backup or alternate fiber routes for both traffic and route diversity? The issue boils down to cost and who will be responsible for the internet after such a massive investment of capital? US, Russia or China or EU Nations? who sets the rules? Your answer is as good as mine

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

Fully agree --- I fully agree with your analysis and I am particularly interested in what the "other countries" would do, those that are not totally or partially engaged in the existing rivalries. Remaining open is of course in their best interest, to continue benefiting form all the advantages and tools that the global internet provides. But in a more complex scenario, where the new kind of cold war would be overshadowing the relations among states, these countries will be more vulnerable to misinformation, potential cyberattacks affecting elections, economic destabilisation etc.

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

temporary outage --- Knowing the importance of these backbone cables to internet traffic worldwide, shouldn't there be certain standards for depths of these cables or warning alerts in the vicinity of such cables by passing ocean liners? why not place IoT devices on these cables which senses a close object (at a certain distance) and immediately sends a sonar alarm to the port or the passing ship? Isn't everything connected? where are our smart sensors?

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

Internet backbone llinks --- To enhance Internet stability and reliability, why not have separate internet highways based on traffic usage and thus reduce the congestion which may be caused by lack of redundancy and/or financial constraints due to the high cost of these backbones for path diversity? Here comes the issue of Net-Neutrality and even traffic throttling based on usage. another discussion???

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

very slow vs outage --- A massive internet traffic congestion due to a broken fiber which literally causes little or no work to be done is just as disastrous as an outage in the context of service quality or network reliability. Traffic re-routing under such circumstances may see a packet of data taking minutes to transmit vs seconds previously and this can cause packet damage or corrupted data.

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

Competences --- As technology evolves, it seems more and more challenging to be up to date with the competences required to protect CI, particularly in less developped countries with little resources.

Aren't we experiencing a growing technology gap among nations? Isn't this gap putting the less developed nations in a much vulnerable position?

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

CI defintion --- This is an interesting thought - as circumstances impact us, there may be the temptation to change the definition of critical as we saw in the pandemic; However, I would venture to say that while the above is a reality, critical infrastructure should not be defined merely by the shifting issues of circumstances but rather what fundamental assets/services which, if not available, would severely degrade, disrupt or destroy the essentials of living a normal life. The distinction should be made between "critical" vs "important" - orange juice may be important but not critical as water; I can get an alternative to orange juice to supplement my diet but water is essential (critical) for living

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

circumstances and what is critical --- Now its the pandemic that has provided us with a glimpse of what can or may be classified as critical but another major mass disaster of a different kind may likely enlighten our understanding of other assets for such classification. If the health system is considered a critical infrastructure so too is national security - and thus a nation's air space could be deemed a CI to protect against unauthorized access; rivers and fresh water reserves can all be designated as CI especially in landlock dry countries where drinking water or water for irrigation and fishing are so dependent for one's livelihood. Thus the pandemic should give pause to look at other possible scenarios for understanding what is critical.

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

pandemic --- @Eduardo. I respectfully disagree with this assertion that the covid-19 caused the advanced intrusion in our daily lives. technology has caused intrusion into our lives not the pandemic - the pandemic simply forced persons to inadvertently revert to the internet to buy/sell or seek access to health and educational services which could not be reached or accessed due to the virus - this is totally different from saying that its the virus which caused disruption of our lives. Point in case - WhatsApp went down for a few hours and illions could not function within 2 or 3 hours of outage - health appointments were disrupted, education to children stopped, doctors could not send medical appoints or health institutions could not schedule work, etc. etc. That's not the covid-19 but our dependence on technology.

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

the weakest link --- I agree that the pandemic has contributed to this growing awareness, but it has also increased the risks. As it is said in the video, "users are the weakest link", and users have increased exponentially, if you consider school online, but laso home office, where we had to connect with our own computers from home, with no firewalls, no IT department, no security software.

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

service due to pandemic --- The Covid-19 pandemic has sent online ICT services skyrocketing as the virus forces humans and institutions to go online - something that would not have been happened otherwise in such volumes. This mass migration to online e-services have made everyone and every system including CIs and CIIs more vulnerable than ever. Health, banking (and other financial services), education and online shopping have all skyrocketed after the pandemic.

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

election system as CI --- @Florence, I concur with you that the election machinery ought to be considered a CI but only relevant for democratic societies; however even this is under threat because of possible exploitation/abuse by politicians who seek to remain in power at any cost in democratic societies; no such CI designation would be necessary in autocratic countries where elections are not done fairly oe=r even recognized.

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

cyberattacks on CI --- This is the new level of warfare as we have seen happening. The Pipeline attack in the US, the attack on the Iranian nuclear plant, the ransomware attack on a hospital in Singapore etc. etc...since systems are now digitalized everything thing declared a CI by a country can now be attacked

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

National security --- Interesting that there is no mention of National Security here, which is one of the most safeguarded and protected infrastructure of a country. We can argue that National security is only a tool to protect the CI, but in reality it is, in itself, a critical infrastructure aimed at protecting the rest of CI.

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

motivations and targets --- @Eduardo. unfortunately I fail to see the rationale or logic in your attempt to connect the "unpolitical" intent by one party as being political because some other party acts political with their ideas or services or product (for that matter). Are you therefore suggesting that if the knife was designed with the intent for domestic use and that someone uses it for murder, that makes the originator or manufacturer of the knife a murderer or an accomplice? There are diverse reasons/motives for hacking in cyberspace - some for political reasons, others for money or fame or dominance or even to prove that the system can be hacked. Isn't this why we have dark hats and grey hat or other hats?

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

critical services --- Why not cluster the many infrastructures into two and not three critical services - utilities and financial services? If telecommunications and power are included as critical services, then water is just as critical. Thus I would recommend simply reducing it to utilities (power, water and telecommunications) and financial services.

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

Awareness of our dependency --- The pandemic has boosted the use of internet and encouraged working from home for many professions. At the same time, our dependency on the internet has increased, as has our awareness of this dependency. With the growing number of cyber attacks, the need to protect individuals, companies and CI is more and more recognised by the population. We see a growing number of events, seminars, etc. The pandemic has certainly contributed to this growing awareness.

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

Was a lockdown avoidable? --- @Eduardo: I would tend to disagree on that! Covid 19 spread quickly because of our highly globalised and interdependent world. Throughout history, cities have been closed because of plague or other diseases. If you recall the terrible scenes in Northern Italy, I can't imagine another immediate measure than to a lockdown to try to contain the pandemic. Maybe we would have reopened quicker as most probably the economic and psychological effects of the lockdown would have been much bigger if we wouldn't have had internet, the possibility to communicate with our loved ones, to work from home etc. But all this takes us out of our topic: CI. Sorry for that!

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

Too much protection may be suspicious? --- Clearly the security and integrity of the voting system has to be guaranteed. There is though a difference to be made with other CI. As it is acknowledged in the US decision, securing the voting system can challenge the confidence of the voters in the election system, even if the State acts with the best of intentions. It is important that the reinforced cyber protection is well communicated and can be questioned by the citizen in order to keep the confidence in the system. Observers should be allowed in all steps of the voting mechanisms.

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

strategic data as national security concern --- I would say that the pros include defending national sovereignty and therefore the capacities to prevent and prosecute attacks or crimes. As cons, the protectionism could hamper the development of internet as a global and humankind endeavor. The rivalry between global players such as USA and China, is anyway well advanced and difficult to stop. The question is then how other countries (more less peripheral or semi peripheral) should behave in this new kind of cold war. Should they follow the path traced in the past, confronting “West” against “East”? Is really control over national data possible for countries that don´t control or possess enough IT resources and are dependant from global players?

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

cyber and real networks --- This video is quite illustrative. It seems that the establishment of submarine cables during the last 30 years have been following the pattern of the global economy network. One can see that the cables are strongly concentrated in some areas, not only because of technical or economic reasons but also political and strategic. Would be more suitable to talk about a centralized graph than a network in topological sense? The physical layer design follows the transport and content layers, or the other way around?

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

motivations and targets --- It is interesting the reference in this paragraph to the attack of a gas provider in USA. Hackers organized groups such as “Darkside” explain their motivations as “unpolitical” and only money-gaining oriented. However if contractors of their products or services are politically oriented, their activities are at the end politically oriented. Political “neutrality” in such dimension of attacks, especially if the targets are CI, could be irrelevant.

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

Money is bad --- Is that so simple?

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

DIfferences in the contruction of logic arguments --- Does culture, ethnicity, gender and age modify the way in chich logic arguments are built? I think so

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

Image --- This also is an image

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

Image --- This is an image

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

Powerful and persuasive speech --- Great uses Pathos, logos and ethos strongly since she appeals to emotions, have good argument based on scientific evidence and she is strong personality in advocating for climate change and has trust for her audience -youth. However, her speech is also blah blah blah because it attacks key decision makers/world powers so it is difficult to emotionally win them over.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

Appeal to emotion --- can sometimes be manipulative. This is often used by politicians in Africa and elsewhere I think to show as if they share the suffering with the publics while in effect, they are the ones causing the anguish, for instance, through looting, corruption, nepotism et al..

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

legal and moral repercussions --- I think this a a good technique to let listeners fill in the gaps or complete the story. This is because to be more explicit, a speaker can step on the toes and attract legal and moral repercussions.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

Courtesy --- This is where four principles of courtesy have to be leveraged. Build a rapport with an interlocutor will go a long way to win her/him over.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

Neither! --- I saw myself in the third option more than the other two, but if I'm being honest it was very hard choosing one.

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

Still --- Logic can only argue based on the content of statements themselves, regardless of the character of who uttered them.

Even mass murderers occasionally make a good point, and conversely even the most upstanding citizens sometimes say incorrect things.

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

Mixed bag --- Good question: an appeal to guilt, remorse, fear and other strongly negative emotions might be more of a stick than a carrot but otherwise, where emotions I gravitate towards are concerned, then yes, pathos definitely has the power of attraction!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Words for some, images for others --- Did you self-identify as an Invested / associative?

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Letting others... --- ... have things your way!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Ethos as multifaceted --- Great challenge! What if we redefine ethos as 'integrity' rather than authority? And then add 'credibility', 'experience' and sundry other positive values to the mix?

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Class meeting on the 11th --- Am I correct in stating that persuade vs manipulate are related similarly?

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

I swear I left the above comment before I read this! --- Really!

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

Carrot? --- Would it be correct, in your view, to say that pathos is the carrot rather than the stick?

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

In a different life... --- When giving academic talks to any but the most technical of audiences I include as few words as possible in my slides and use images for their aesthetic and metaphorical appeal.

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

Very powerful technique --- Leaving our audience to fill in the gaps gives the listener ownership over the image, helping them take the idea on board.

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

Ethos --- Any appeal to authority is actually a fallacy, so ethos is actually a fallacy.

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

Standards for software --- I agree, Bennette. In the case of cars for instance, we have standards for almost all parts from the engines to the batteries to safety features like seatbelts and airbags, so why don't we have standards for the code that is now responsible for making them run?

Source author: Pavitra Ramanujam pavitra.ramanujam@gmail.com

Physical safety v cyber safety --- Another aspect of this attitude is that there is no culture around acknowledging or discussing cyber security from the point of view of the everyday dangers it poses for people. We care about our physical safety because we are aware and have a culture of awareness around protecting ourselves physically - whether it is locking our homes when we leave the house, or keeping our bags close to us in public or deciding not to walk down non-lit street. We need to have similar conversations on the specific dangers of being online and basic cyber security measures should be normalised.

Source author: Pavitra Ramanujam pavitra.ramanujam@gmail.com

Security of environment --- I think this is one of the reasons it is so hard to be fully secure online. Even if a person who has access to a lot of sensitive information takes all necessary precautions to protect themselves digitally, they are only as safe as the people around them. Social engineering and hacking of vulnerable systems of their friends and family might compromise them too. How do individuals and companies protect against such scenarios?

Source author: Pavitra Ramanujam pavitra.ramanujam@gmail.com

States' responsibility --- This is critical because states can and should bear primary responsibility for protecting cyberspace, but their continued posturing on the need to strengthen cyber-security on one hand while undermining it for their own purposes on the other leaves everyday people more vulnerable. Like the kind of discourse that developed after world war 2 on state behaviour during wartime, it is necessary for similar agreements and standards when it comes to acts in cyberspace. We can only hope that states don't wait for a world war 2 like event in cyberspace before they make that happen.

Source author: Pavitra Ramanujam pavitra.ramanujam@gmail.com

What is missing --- I second Mouloud's intervention on the public-private collaborations and how important it is in making these proposals a success in these three case studies, however, while going through them I was wondering where the science part comes in these? We know it came way before hand in providing the reference, fact and ground to build these studies on, but also, and htis is always my point, we need to bridge science to the civil society organisations too, this would help both ends change their mentality and of course feed into each other's needs.

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

Its the people --- It is the people that create the problem and offer the solution, but the people without supervision would not be aware of creating a problem and cannot help to address it without higher power directions. As we saw it is the community ingredient that offered these case studies a special flavour and gave it success as a label. Even more, what makes these studies applicable in other areas, is that the main power is in the people taking charge and ownership of the problem and solving it.

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

Who is liable to take action for achieving the targets? --- Good point, but I guess all target achievements require public-private partnerships or at least the government has some stake in permitting the deployment of energy sources.

I think you hint at a very good suggestion that maybe defining the "liable authorities" in the targets might aid in assigning responsibilities or accountability!

Source author: Nikita Lad nlad2@gmu.edu

Holistic thinking needed --- I totally agree with you, Muna! There are trade-offs with every form of clean energy and thus, there is a need to weigh its pros and cons, before decision-making. There is no one size fits-all solution and hence tailoring decisions as per each country's favorable conditions is generally recommended.

Source author: Nikita Lad nlad2@gmu.edu

Targets to allow the change --- Targets seems well-thought, but when we think at the national level, application would not be easy when you have in a country of struggling economy, the Electrical Power is in hands of the private sector -to support the economy. So this privatization would be a challenge facing any process towards clean and different resources of energy. So maybe, including a target that would address such challenges.

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

Question? --- Reading this point provoked the following question: How much can we rely on clean energy, renewable energy with climate change making the changes it's making in our days? To explain: in some countries Solar power was not an option, but due to climate change it is now coming into the table as an option. But for other countries, that rely on Solar Power, due to climate change, are facing challenges in maintaining the panels, etc. which is making it harder to consider this resource as an economically sustainable one.

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

Target 7.2: Metrics --- Great point, Mouloud! Target 7.2 does not define what is substantial? Some countries might take steps towards transitioning to renewables but since there is no defined baseline, and metrics, each one might presume there is a substantial share of their smaller efforts.

Source author: Nikita Lad nlad2@gmu.edu

Different level of resources means different options --- One dimension that differentiates developed and developing world is the level of resources available to various projects, which gives more options and more flexibility. Often private (and sometimes even public) financing doesn't find attractive investments (with manageable risk) in low- and middle-income countries, except maybe for Impact Investing (still a niche compared to mainstream)

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

Hydrogen? --- Hydrogen burns without emitting CO2 and can be used as a source of heat or to power combustion engines. It can also convert chemical energy into electricity. The only emission produced is water vapor. It could be an alternative to accelerate clean energy transition, especially by decarbonising key sectors such as transport, chemicals and steel. Hydrogen is also an option to store energy from other renewables such as electricity. The challenge is to scale hydrogen production from renewables (ex: water and electricity) instead of currently using natural gas

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

Public-Private --- In all 3 cases, we see the importance of multi-stakeholder connection, with public and private partnerships, whether with public agencies, municipalities or local governments, with private companies, large (energy companies, construction) and very small (farmers and community solar energy grids).

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

Target 7.2: Substantial? --- Target 7.2 seems quite vague, using the word "substantial". We need a clear path to 100% clean and renewable energy by 2050, so having a quantifiable target 7.2, even aspirational. for the world, and each region / country would be a (good) first step.

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

Could be my experience --- The attitudes of those around me while I was growing up were very clear in that even if something is acceptable to all those involved and everyone consents, it may still be bad just because it is. This, I would argue, is an attitude that is diametrically opposed to liberalism as I understand it.

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

Humour --- I'm my lectures (let's be honest, an audience of 20 year olds isn't the easiest to keep interested) I very often turn myself into the butt of jokes, and that seems to lower the barriers enough to get the students to open up about their concerns, even outside the context of my lectures themselves.

On another note, hell is where all the interesting people end up 🤣

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

We missed you too! --- We shall enjoy having you on board even more :)

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Linguistic determinism --- I agree that language can influence our thoughts and ways of seeing, being and acting, but I don't believe that language always has the power to determine and constrain us in the way that Wittgenstein suggests here. I often feel that my own language fails me in not providing a word for a concept to emotion that I nevertheless feel, suggesting that my experience outstrips my language.

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Broken links in your inexorable chain --- But there are always exceptions at each level of control, and that is the saving of us, what makes us human rather than automata.

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Pebbles and ripples :) --- I remember having the pebbles I had collected as souvenirs on the beach confiscated at Dublin airport. Apparently too many people were taking Ireland's coastline home with them, causing coastal erosion. All I have ever declared at customs since then on visiting the Rep of Ireland is ripples!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Hard-wired --- Laughter in human beings has appropriated the 'all clear' sign of apes (similar sound, similar release of tension). You will find that many off us laugh at 'inappropriate' moments (funerals, spankings as children) and do so not because anything is funny but in order to release the tension and convey the all-clear.

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

As pop music with bad lyrics confirms! --- Beautiful quote, thank you!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Quo vadis? --- LOL Andre, tell us where you're headed because I want to share a good laugh wherever you decide to go. I'm becoming more and more curious about the persuasive power of humour - not just satire, which removes the wells from our eyes, but this kind of ribbing and banter which creates such a feel good as to make me want to stay within the group it has generated and become a fellow traveller!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Getting one's own way regardless --- Many manipulators just get their way and walk away rich leaving a trail of roadkill behind them. Come-uppance is a consolation but not a guarantee!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

In search of a religion --- Now you really have me thinking about love, Marie, and why so many religions encourage us to love and forgive each other. Is there any religion (or idiom?) that reassures us that we will be laughing about events with our enemies and nemesis?

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Excellent rendition John --- of a gross miscarriage of justice and absolute manipulation by the media. Looters and rioters - victim or looter - I think they make good pairs! I'll be sure to watch that movie, thank you for sharing.

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

From one --- dinosaur to another, I'm learning so much and this information shared in this class is invaluable no matter what our professions...the next groups will be missing out on your genius! Remember Oscar Wilde when he was stopped at Customs in Dublin Airport and asked if he had anything to declare, to which he replied...only my genius!

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

Chat Preference - No Assignment Questions --- I have a preference for zoom as it allows more comments to be shared; and then later reviewed. I also like seeing our colleagues and hearing them on zoom.

I have no questions regarding the assignment.

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

The limits of my language --- This week's session reminds me of the words of the philosopher Wittgenstein when he wrote: ““The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”

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

Globalization and Control --- To Chris's point about globalization politicians understand the principle: Control language and you control thought; control thought and you control action; control action and you control the world.

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

Seventh Generation Versus Quarterly reports --- Emerson was familiar with the American Indian culture disposition towards the environment. This is expressed in the Seventh Generation Principle.

This principle is based on an ancient Iroquois philosophy that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future. A sound philosophy in my opinion.

Definitely this is an improvement compared to planning next generation outcomes relying on decisions guided by corporate quarterly reports.

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

Rhetoric Powered by Music is Potent --- In Mein Kampf, the author described his first witnessing of a performance of the opera Lohengrin at age 12 as a life-changing experience.

Opera-lovers should take note. This is a sobering thought for those who enjoy mass gatherings, listening to persuasive rhetoric, against a backdrop of giant flags, loud music, and flaming torches.

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

Music Plays Upon the Human Emotions --- In the Republic Plato writes how a listener can recognize all kinds of emotions, such as “soberness, courage, liberality, and high-mindedness, and ail their kindred and their opposites, too,”.

On the authority of Plato I am persuaded that it follows that when someone listens to music eventually one will tune to its emotional movement and align with the rhythm and act, unconsciously, under its influence.

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

Persuasive Power of Music --- According to Plato, music is able to bypass reason and penetrate into the very core of the self, causing great impact on the character: “because more than anything else rhythm and harmony find their way into the inmost soul and take strongest hold upon it”.

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

Witness for the Prosecution - life imitates art --- Speaking to Chris's point: "What one sees as manipulation may be seen as persuasion by another".

A current example of the use and misuse of language is the Kyle Rittenhouse murder being broadcast live throughout the US. Kyle Rittenhouse, 17 at the time, stands accused of the murder of 2 people and wounding a third.

Kyle’s defense is “self-defense: There is no doubt that he is innocent of the charges. I won’t recount the facts unless there is interest. The entire incident is captured on video and includes drone-footage of the shooting.

The preparation for a trial of this complexity can require up to a year of before formal charges are laid; in this case it was 48 hours from incident to incitement. Remarkably efficient for a government worker.

Reaching into his spin toolkit the state prosecutor described the people who were shot and the state witness for the prosecution as “victims”; while Kyle’s defense attorney refers to them as “looters” and “rioters.”

The wounded man (‘victim’ or ‘looter’) testified as the star witness for the prosecution. Two days ago, the case took a dramatic turnaround that bears many similarities to the 1957 film ‘Witness for the Prosecution” staring starring Tyrone Power (accused) , Marlene Dietrich (witness for the prosecution), and Charles Laughton (barrister defending the accused.)

In a life imitates art event the star-prosecution witness this week admitted he was pointing his gun at the accused Karl Rittenhouse when Karl, fearing for his life, shot and wounded the prosecution witness. All the elements of self-defense are present.

This ongoing Rittenhouse case, and the referenced film, illustrate the rhetorical use and misuse of language by the law.

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

Let the buyer beware buying a car as in marriage --- To Marie's point In one-off deals, where a person does not expect to see the other party after the transaction, like selling a car the rule is let the buyer beware (caveat emptor). Manipulation and misrepresentation must be anticipated and even expected.

In on-going relationships we seek to persuade if we know that the relationship will be long-term, and we may need or depend upon their amiable cooperation.

For example, successful marriages depend upon persuasion over manipulation - and a good measure of compromise with practical skills in diplomatic negotiation.

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

Chris --- As I mentioned in one of my HTs, this country has become scarily divisive. Depending who you talk to, "Republican" is also a dirty word...I have friends at both ends of the spectrum. I have never experienced a time in the US when people are afraid to say which party they favor on pain of being cancelled! Freedom of speech has impacted both sides and democracy hangs in the balance. Both sides feel they're right and the media fuels the fire...a veritable "spin" feast! Are we all being manipulated? Let's hope for a leader (on either side) who is a centrist and has integrity and tells the truth!

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

We --- will fix that Andrej and plan on showing up next week! Again, so sorry to miss this lively session.

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

Andre --- I believe there might be some doubt in that the word "Liberal, is really demonized by the Catholic Church? Joe Biden is a Catholic and was granted the right to receive communion by the Pope, even though he is pro-abortion. John F. Kennedy was the first Catholic president and he too was supported by the Catholic Church. I may have misunderstood this, so please let me know.

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

I'm in --- agreement Petru...good point!

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

I believe --- it is a universal description of people who need to make way for new blood!

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

This is a good example --- of what Greta Thunberg is fighting for. She's taking it into her own hands to not allow us to spoil the planet!

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

Agreed Chris --- Heard a story from two people who were dining in a restaurant in Thailand. The waiter was smiling while pointing out the window where a person had just been struck by a car! A bit graphic, but Asian cultures smile to make one comfortable and not upset them. Of course, this can be confusing body language in negotiations.

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

Andrej --- Couldn't agree more...shared emotions help people connect at a different level and deepens relationships. On another note, a dear person in my life suffered a debilitating stroke and lost her speech. However, when she listened to music, she could hum along and regained her speech while she was doing so! On reseach music promotes changes in the brain called "neural reorganization." Same thing applies here.

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

Biljani --- I believe Propoganda is more for general consumption and manipulation is a more targeted endeavor.

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

Agree Chris --- The Media live and die through the use of spin...that's why we don't trust them!

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

Andre --- If I understand you correctly, I was always taught that God knows everything and the manipulator might be on a fast track to hell!

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

Agreed MacOswald --- but the manipulator loses too in reputation...word gets around!

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

Andrej --- Manipulation, as you know, plays to our emotions or hot buttons...some people, as in used car sales men are masters of the game. However, we know that they will try it before we go to buy a car and only have ourselves to blame when we drive off the lot in a bright red mustang that cost several thousand dollars above price...(there's a story there!) Secondly, if by chance we have been manipulated, we lose trust in that person and it ruins the relationship.

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

Pure love --- as that for a child is open to manipulation...as parents, we know it and it can be endearing and clever. You can remind them of their antics when they grow up and laugh about it!

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

Andrej --- For the sake of argument. What if, having been manipulated into something that initially has a negative outcome, it might eventually turn into something positive...even though the intent of the manipulator might have been negative. Perhaps "Karma" might play a role?

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

Agree with you Chris --- "One man's meat is another man's poison!" (Titus Lucretius)

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

We are given feedback --- I agree, we should give a feedback about that we like and what we don't like. So if we found something that we belivied is not right we should rise our hand and say it. It is the same way in real life, if we are in a restaurant and the food is not ok we let them know. I think feedback is important. So if we found a CASM we have to make actions.

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

I Agree --- Just wanted to say I agree, I wrote a HT about it.

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

Could they lie? --- It is a possibility since we don't know who is back the computer or device. Some adult can create an account for a child, it can be possible. We need diferent methods to make sure there is not childrens involve, we most to grow as a society. Technoligy is here and it does not going away.

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

Terms and conditions --- Good question, I don't think they will make public the code instead they use the contract "Terms and conditions". Any time or most of the time when I install an application or use a software they sent to you a contract where they set the rules and what you can or cannot do and so on.

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

Youtube do it --- I found that youtube has the same proccess when someones is trying to upload a video, there is a process checking up the content of the video so once it is done they post the video or not. But for sure they save the metadata and take note of that content, this is my personal opinion.

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

Big Data --- This all this tools out there is not crazy that Apple or some else can look up for information, I agree about thouse issues like privacy breach and also how they will handle this information? how they will be use it? There is not a good news for users so far. I know the main idea sounds fantastic but there is more to think about.

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

Concerning --- I found it extremely concerning. Our children are very vulnerable to the web's risks.

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

non-profit organisation --- I read ICANN is a non-profit consortium, but that it maintains itself from the fees that receive from regional and national registries and registrants paying for having numbers and domains to upload webpages or platforms over the world. It is still not clear to me how these fees are established and how independent or dependent ICANN can be, for example, from US jurisdiction authorities or mandates.

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

DNSSEC --- I understand that the national registry institution of Mexico, called NIC México, has implemented de DNSSEC for the .mx domain after 2011

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

multistakeholders --- The multistakeholder approach has worked well because the key governments involved have allowed it, but what would happen if such governments decide to change the rules of the game? The system is not accountable before the UNO because of its political nature or because it has more visibility?

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

own interest --- Maybe in the extreme cases of deleting whole domains of countries could be detrimental of its own interests but in the cases of particular institutions or companies not. How is possible that the anycast system redundancy is guaranteed, if it is related to the root servers networks, which I understand, are located only in seven countries with their own national jurisdictions?

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

Economic and Science Diplomacy --- I think the climate change also relates the economic development in each country. A diplomat needs to find the balance between the economic development and environment protection with science and data based knowledge. Diplomats need to have those knowledge to help them to get the greatest benefit to the nation in a negotiation.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

I just think that is a marketing event --- I hope the metaverse can help people to combine their life in the real life and virtual life. But the concept of metaverse sounds like the company wants to bring more work to exhaust people.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

Recycle --- As the Kathrina Beyer told before. There should be a regulation or guideline to recycle the devices and batteries.

The only concern is about data in the devices. How to prevent data leaks or breaches when they left (public) devices.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

It definitely less than international traveling --- Well, my friend did a test for me before. He test the electricity usage for a 90 minutes online meeting with monitor, mobile and internet connection for one person. He told me, the electricity power in an virtual meeting still less than air flight travel.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

And people can find the evidence --- People can do fact checks by themselves with evidences.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

Good and Bad of the digital technology --- Positive / Good side of the digital technology People can do many things on the internet, express opinions, study, know the everything in other countries. We can do many groceries on the internet and save more time to do more things. Every thing goes to digital, people can save dome spaces for their life.

Negative / Bad side of the digital technology on the climate change There are more and more e-waste from our life. People need advanced devices to get information, data and images. Time is never end on the internet, so people need more electricity to support their devices and lights. I believe e-waste and electricity consumption make the pollution and global warming.

Also, some people can't access into the internet or they can't afford a mobile to get knowledge or change information.

Source author: YingChu Chen jungheng@gmail.com

My impression is that in the case of most embassies... --- ...there is really little in their regular work that is confidential, in terms of national interests. There will be exceptions such as missions in neighboring countries or those dealing with antagonistic states. Most eco (and cultural or public diplomacy) work is fairly open, amenable to help from LE staff....Just look to the practices of US, UK, German or Canadian embassies, among others....They use LE staff for quasi-diplomatic work, which would have been unimaginable even 15 years back.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

This is an excellent example, Cecelia, of innovative action. --- This resembles in part the Eminent Person groups of which I have written in notes shared with the Class...The key point: bring in the business leaders (and others) into the nitty-gritty of the bilateral relationship. It often pay's rich dividend -- opening up the diplomatic process to those that can really contribute....Needs emulation.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

That's an excellent point, Marília. --- Economic dip training for diplomats needs a practical base. One good method is to include representatives of Commerce Chambers and Industry Associations in the training....And of course also the representatives of the economic ministries. We do that sometimes in India, though the Indian MEA and the Commerce Dept are often not on the same page.....CUTS used to organize training programs for our Commerce Dept officials but MEA's diplomats did not join those programs...Bipul may have more updated information on this.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

May I disagree a little? --- Providing support to one's own business representatives in a foreign country is an important activity for embassies -- it is not a distraction, unless of course the business reps seek help on matters that should be handled by themselves, like the detailed work of pushing their business. It can be a fine line. But on major issues, business has a right to expect emb support, in my view. Comment welcome.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

A very interesting Q -- how far do special attaches at embassies... --- ...help with embassy work? My experience and observation is that generally, they help very little, and remain focussed on their own specialized tasks....The exceptions are: During crisis, everyone pitches in; A tough HoM can demand specialists to join the collective effort, but the results can be uneven; If the organization that the specialist represents, gives a clear directive, but that cooperation may not endure over time....When an emb is overloaded with such attaches, the emb also carries the extra load of providing general services to these attaches.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Frank, is it true that Mozambique is no longer active... --- ...on that joint diplomatic training institute? Can you please give some information on this?

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

I share your concern --- @David...about delayed responses from stakeholders from home country even with the digital means of communication. This can lead to lost opportunities as investors move to a more efficient Embassy. So, in the absence of a specialist attache, it is helpful to identify one/two contacts who can assist promptly as and when assistance is required.

Source author: Omphile Sethunya Sedimo sedimosethunya44@gmail.com

I agree --- It is absolutely important for the SADC countries to establish Institute for the Foreign Service. Tanzania and Mozambique have started this initiative and established Centre for Foreign Relations (CFR) which is in Tanzania. It is high time for the other SADC members to join hands and consider strengthening this institution to serve for all its members.

Source author: Frank John Mhina frankmhina01@gmail.com

Foreign Service Officers as Jack of all trade --- ..because of the budget constraints in most Developing Countries, MFA mostly expect their Foreign Service Officers serving abroad to be jack of all trade that is to play both roles economic in terms of intelligence economic reports and commercial work.

Source author: Frank John Mhina frankmhina01@gmail.com

Trade attaché` --- Tanzania, have trade attaché's most of its Embassies who assigned for trade promotions and marketing and their offices are housed in the same premises of the Embassy. In case of seat of the government is not a business capital, Tanzania have opened offices of the Consular General with the trade officer to cover all the business related issues.

Source author: Frank John Mhina frankmhina01@gmail.com

Focus on economic diplomacy --- That's very interesting to read that Cecilia. It corroborates the perception that I had as an external observer. It is very interesting to see how Mexico has projected itself with great success in economic diplomacy.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Re. interesting arrangement --- Certainly, the arrangements brings positive aspects. At the same time, critics argue that this could create a 'special' relationship between certain businesses and the government, putting into check the impartiality of public service. Businesses have "entry points" which could be used for lobbying or acquiring access to privileged information. It would be interesting to hear what you think, colleagues.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Reporting to the foreign ministry and economic ministries --- Thank you for this concrete example, Malefetsane. Do you have other similar examples to share, colleagues? In your view, does this practice create any conflict in terms of hierarchy or policy coherence?

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Advanced training --- That's a very interesting and positive initiative. Do you have similar examples in your countries, colleagues, in economics or in other areas?

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Timely reaction --- That's a very good point, David. Although digital technology has made communication easier and faster, real-world events have also accelerated and many times require almost-immediate actions. Reducing the need for consultations with capital could contribute to enhance timely responses.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Regulatory frameworks --- Good exchange. Unabling regulatory frameworks are also very important, both in terms of creating an environment of legal certainty, and also aiming at cutting unecessary red tape.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

re. trick --- Agreed, Ndeye. Depending on the assymetry of power between countries, 'advice' can be much more stringent than it sounds.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

air attacks --- @Scott, thank you for the feedback. I was abstractly generalizing. And you're absolutely right, it would be a war crime. Yet, when already mentioned, we have seen cases (maybe not a lot but) in the middle east or even in the Balkan (NATO bombing of Yugoslavia) where civilian targets were hit (bridges with cars/people, hospitals, TV stations, and even foreign country embassy) and later the excuse was "collateral damage" or mistake or else...I believe there were few similar cases in the "War on terror" in Iraq and in the middle East.. Sadly, there are unintentional civilian victims in many war operations.The same applies for non army actors even more.

Source author: Vladimir Nikolov vladimir984@yahoo.com

an army (or airforce officer) striking a civilian facility --- It would be a war crime for an army (or airforce officer) to strike a civilian facility with a drone. Perhaps I misunderstood you, however, and you were referring to non-State actors, e.g. terrorists.

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

Disinformation will stay --- disinformation will stay and we need to find a better way to handle. Anyone can add opinions everywhere. In political campaigns is the most common thing.

Source author: Juan Miguel López Vázquez Samaniego jsamaniego@sre.gob.mx

More human than technological --- Here we face the people integrity. How people handle the information at their care. Here we could discuss Snowden

Source author: Juan Miguel López Vázquez Samaniego jsamaniego@sre.gob.mx

Intereresting data --- I wonder if passing the pandemia would decrease this statistic. I would never have imaginated that kid´s education would overpass other activities

Source author: Juan Miguel López Vázquez Samaniego jsamaniego@sre.gob.mx

Commercial Specialists --- Commercial Specialists can help your company identify business opportunities, find local partners, promote your products and services, provide useful market reports and insights as well as give other export related guidance.

Source author: Mavis Tungulu mtungulu@gmail.com

Why governments invest in commercial diplomacy? --- Exporting is important in stimulating economic growth, particularly for developing countries. It helps to create jobs and raise living standards. Moreover, as countries grow economically, they tend to import more, increasing the need for exports to ensure balanced trade.

Source author: Mavis Tungulu mtungulu@gmail.com

Commercial diplomacy --- The work of diplomatic missions to support the home country’s business sector. It includes promoting trade and inward and outward investment. This guide is principally concerned with the activity of commercial diplomacy, which can be viewed as a subset of economic diplomacy.

Source author: Mavis Tungulu mtungulu@gmail.com

economic diplomacy --- The process through which countries work at home and abroad to maximize their national gain in all economic fields including trade, investment and other economically beneficial exchanges.

Source author: Mavis Tungulu mtungulu@gmail.com

agree --- Totally agree with limited resources most developing countries are using one person for both two functions.

Source author: Mavis Tungulu mtungulu@gmail.com

economic/commercial work or section. --- Generally a foreign embassy will have an economic/commercial section. This section is headed by an experienced senior officer who supervises his or her staff of specialists, a clerical staff, and sometimes nationals of the host country. The commercial half of the section is concerned with facilitating exports to, and investments in, the host country. The economic part of the section deals with economic relations at a government to-government level and provides economic information and analysis to its home government

Source author: Mavis Tungulu mtungulu@gmail.com

Anthropocentric attitude, an ever-present issue --- Very interesting discussion here and just to add a little comment, I think anthropocentric attitude is an ever-present tendency in human beings and it's part of their nature and their instinct for survival, even if sometimes it is hard to recognize it, morally speaking. And as Lakmini said, although we care about the planet, we are saving ourselves, which is not necessarily something negative (on the contrary it can be guaranteed of an extreme motivation) but I think that it is an element to take into account and to be aware of

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

IPCC as an effective model to be reproduced --- I completely agree with you, Tereza and Katharina, and I think that the structure and processes of the IPCC should be a model to be reproduced in other fields where diplomatic and scientific worlds are closely interconnected and interdependent, such as other global or transnational challenges (e.g. I think a lot in these terms for the issue I'm dealing with: the illicit trafficking of cultural goods).

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

life skill. --- That's true. I think Negotiating skill is important as a life skill in genera.

Source author: Sovanndanit Roath sovanndanitroath@gmail.com

Diplomats training --- I have one comment that is on my mind: I would like to point out that in our diplomatic training institutions, certain global issues are not addressed, such as health, climate change, etc. Many diplomats have to work on these issues in the field. Taking these aspects into account in the training curricula could, in my opinion, encourage diplomats to get involved in these areas.

Source author: Désiré NEBOUA dneboua@yahoo.fr

100 years delay --- It's true what you say. I would be interested to know if these results have been disseminated to decision-makers to enable them to take appropriate measures against these climate threats.

Source author: Désiré NEBOUA dneboua@yahoo.fr

100 years delay --- I can not believe that we knew the effect of CO2 on climate for more that 150 years and we did not react!!

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

force --- What is the definition of force? only reporting? who is going to prove that the reports are right?

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

neutral --- what does it mean to be neutral?

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

awareness --- Policymakers do not need more data, they need to wake up.

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

too late --- When the data shows the increase of temperature around 1920 why the action took 50 years?

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

800000 years --- I wonder how we can get the amount of CO2 800000 years ago?

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

Japan? --- Why Japan is in the list?

Source author: Encieh Erfani encieherfani@gmail.com

against scientism --- Agreed, Vid. Scientism and unrealistic techno-optimism do more harm then good - within science diplomacy debates and beyond. I can relate to what you describe as 'bullish conversations' from the field of AI and digital technology. In my opinion, questions around social issues and culture are still not prominent enough. But I'm wondering (if you see this / still have time to answer) what you have in mind?

Source author: Katharina Höne KatharinaH@diplomacy.edu

Paradigm shift in diplomacy due to climate change? Not yet there --- The paradigm shift in international diplomacy in relation to climate change is still confined in an ideal world. In fact, we can see that climate diplomats around every corner are engaging in the defense of national interests, which is why the world has a climate agreement every 15 years. This can also be seen in the joint declarations, and we have the example of the US-CN document at COP26. The language is always shaped in such a way that national interests are not affected by international commitments. Bilateral declarations are a way to prevent third parties from imposing stricter conditions in a multilateral document on the two signatory parties. The paradigm shift will begin to work when all parties involved start moving in the same direction and at roughly the same speed. This would mean a commonality of interests, but we are still a long way from that, I'm afraid.

Source author: Vojko Bratina vbratina@katamail.com

biodoversity - global governance regime --- Very well said, Samir. Political / diplomatically there is institutional separation. We have a Convention on Biological Diversity (1993), COPs (the first part of COP 15 took place in October and the second part will be held in April next year), and a body similar to the IPCC, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. For our purposes in the course, the IPBES is very noteworthy.

Source author: Katharina Höne KatharinaH@diplomacy.edu

Clarity please!!! --- For what purpose was the Mexican MFA supplying vaccines abroad? Was it for vaccination of their citizens in the diaspora or for commercial purposes to the global market, as in was Mexico selling COVID-19 vaccines abroad? If so, what was the country's vaccination rate at the time of implementing that initiative? This may sound naive, but simply put, I want to understand if the text implies that the MFA global vaccine supplies were meant for the country's economical growth and thereby shaping its economic diplomacy during the COVID-19 crisis.

Source author: Malefetsane Dominic Mosala mosalalaw@gmail.com

What else is needed --- I think an important contribution of this editorial are the seven tasks Colglazier lists as the end that deserve high priority for governments and the worldwide scientific community:

1. Conducting Systems Analysis and Data Analytics
2. Building Online Platforms for Mutual Learning and Technology Deployment
3. Building STI Capacity and Knowledge-Based Societies
4. Providing Financing from Multiple Sources
5. Contributing to the Global Commons
6. Dealing with Technological Disruptions and Challenges
7. Contributing to Peace and Security

And of course, there are other issues missing that he didn't expand on, including the role of scientists connecting with society at large.

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