The Next Page

The Future of Diplomacy: preparing the next generation

In this enlightening episode, Nicholas Kralev, Executive Director of the Washington International Diplomatic Academy, discusses the future of diplomacy and preparing the next generation of diplomats. He shares insights from his latest book, "Diplomatic Tradecraft," exploring the essential skills and future of diplomacy.
Nicholas Kralev shares what drew him to the field, recounting his journey from a journalist during the post-Cold War era to a leader for diplomacy training. He discusses the vital role of empathy in diplomacy. Discover the unique challenges diplomats face, the importance of practical skills, and the need for greater investment in the field to prepare the next generation of diplomats.
The conversation also addresses the significance of diversity within diplomatic corps and how multilateral and bilateral diplomacy differ in skills and execution. Nicholas Kralev emphasizes the necessity for diplomacy to evolve and adapt in a rapidly changing world, urging governments to recognize its value as a professional discipline.
Tune in to uncover the complexities of international relations and how diplomacy can be the world's best hope in fostering global stability and understanding.
Resources: Ask a Librarian!
Kralev, N. (Ed.). (2024). Diplomatic Tradecraft. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Washington International Diplomatic Academy: https://diplomaticacademy.us/
 
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: https://youtu.be/
Content   
Guest: Nicholas Kralev, Executive Director, Washington International Diplomatic Academy
Host: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 
*This episode was recorded online

Aristide Briand : la conscience du monde mise à l'honneur

Dans cet épisode, nous explorons le parcours et l’héritage d’Aristide Briand avec trois invités : Patrice Bulting, Christophe Bellon, et Jean-Michel Guieu.
Aristide Briand (1862-1932), figure emblématique de la vie politique française du début du XXe siècle, a marqué l’histoire par son engagement pour la paix et sa vision politique unique. Grâce aux récits de nos invités, nous découvrons les multiples facettes de cet homme d’État et les initiatives qui ravivent sa mémoire aujourd’hui.
Patrice Bulting, président de l’association Aristide Briand, nous présente le projet de réinstallation du buste de Briand à Saint-Nazaire, 90 ans après sa disparition. Il revient sur les liens profonds entre Briand et sa ville natale, ainsi que sur les étapes marquantes de cette entreprise mémorielle.
Christophe Bellon, historien et biographe d’Aristide Briand, éclaire les moments clés de la carrière de Briand, notamment son rôle dans la loi de Séparation des Églises et de l’État et son action pendant la Première Guerre mondiale. Il partage également son analyse sur les qualités politiques exceptionnelles de Briand et le relatif oubli dont il a souffert auprès des historiens.
Enfin, Jean-Michel Guieu, spécialiste de l’histoire de la paix dans le premier XXe siècle, met en lumière l’impact international de Briand. De son rôle à la Société des Nations à la négociation des accords de Locarno et du pacte Briand-Kellogg, il explore les efforts de réconciliation européenne et la vision fédéraliste de Briand en faveur d’une Union européenne.
 
Ressources
Association Aristide BRIAND : http://aristidebriand.eu/
Bellon, Christophe. (2016). Aristide Briand : Parler pour agir. Paris. Editions du CNRS. https://www.cnrseditions.fr/catalogue/histoire/aristide-briand/
Guieu, Jean-Michel, et Stanislas Jeannesson (dir.). (2021). « La Société des Nations : Une expérience de l’internationalisme ». Monde(s). Histoire, Espaces, Relations, 2021/1, n°19. Presses Universitaires de Rennes. https://shs.cairn.info/revue-mondes-2021-1
Guieu, Jean-Michel, et Stéphane Tison (éd). (2022). La paix dans la guerre : Espoirs et expériences de paix (1914–1919). Paris. Éditions de la Sorbonne. http://www.editionsdelasorbonne.fr/fr/livre/?GCOI=28405100938730
Dossier d’archives de la Société des Nations sur le projet d’Union fédérale européenne proposé par Aristide Briand : https://archives.ungeneva.org/projet-dune-union-federale-europeenne-memorandum-du-gouvernement-francais-sur-lorganisation-dun-regime-dunion-federale-europeenne-1er-mai-1930
Où écouter cet épisode  
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154  
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy  
YouTube:   https://youtu.be/HwHfPVUC6M4
Contenu     
Invités : Patrice Bulting, Christophe Bellon, Jean-Michel Guieu
Hôte : Hermine Diebolt 
Réalisation : Amy Smith  
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva   

Exploring the intersection of VR, AI and Diplomacy

In this thought-provoking episode we delve into the fascinating intersection of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of diplomacy, highlighting their potential to transform multilateralism, peacebuilding, and peacekeeping.
Join us as we talk with Martin Wählisch, a UN professional with a wealth of knowledge and experience in innovative technological applications in diplomacy. Martin shares compelling insights from work in the UN and his current academic endeavors at the University of Birmingham, focusing on the integration of AI in governmental processes.
In this episode, we explore the roles VR and AI can play in conflict prevention, management, and resolution, offering concrete examples such as predictive analytics using machine learning for early warning systems, AI-powered public dialogues for peace negotiations, and VR experiences that foster empathy and understanding through immersive storytelling.
Dive into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as these technologies advance and reshape traditional diplomatic practices, all the while contemplating the ethical implications and necessary governance mechanisms. Don't miss this engaging conversation on how technology is revolutionizing diplomacy in a rapidly changing world.
Resources: Ask a Librarian!
United Nations Innovation Network
Futuring Peace
My Medium articles
The United Nations Virtual Reality Experiment on Vimeo
UN Web TV Documentary
 
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: https://youtu.be/
Content   
Guest:  Martin Wählisch
Host: Francesco Pisano
Production and editing: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

How to use AI in peace making and negotiations

Welcome to another episode of The Next Page. Today, we delve into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in diplomatic matters, focusing on its application in peacemaking and negotiations.
Claude Bruderlien, a researcher and lecturer at Harvard, shares his wealth of experience as a professional negotiator working with the UN and other international organizations. Claude discusses the evolution of negotiation training and the integration of AI into diplomacy to enhance strategic planning and international collaborations.
The conversation covers real-world applications of AI in various negotiation contexts, including campus and climate negotiations, providing unique insights into how technological advancements are shaping future diplomatic efforts. Discover how AI aids negotiators by filtering complex data, simulating scenarios, and improving cross-cultural communication, all while retaining the essential human elements of empathy and connection.
Resources: Ask a Librarian!
Frontline Associates: AI Negotiation Challenge platform, which is designed to help train negotiators in the use of AI in their negotiations.
 
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: https://youtu.be/LpD761ajkV4
Content   
Guest: Claude Bruderlein, Researcher and Lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, the Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health, and The Graduate Institute, Geneva
Host, production and editing: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Reversing the Decline of Diplomacy for Peace: a conversation with David Harland

In this captivating episode we explore the evolving landscape of diplomacy and its pivotal role in fostering peace. Our guest, David Harland, the Executive Director of the Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and a member of the UN Secretary General's High Level Advisory Board on Mediation, shares his vast experience and insights.
We cover the historical trajectory of diplomacy for peace, from its post-World War II successes to its recent decline, particularly over the past two decades. David discusses how diplomacy once effectively addressed existential threats, such as nuclear warfare, through strategic negotiations and treaties.
As we face new global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and artificial intelligence, David offers a critical analysis of how diplomacy has transformed and how it might adapt. He introduces concepts like "shifting constellations" and "hybrid diplomacy," highlighting the role of alternative actors, including NGOs and private companies, in today's diplomatic landscape.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of diplomacy, the importance of setting priorities, and the potential for new diplomatic frameworks to address the pressing issues of our time. As we navigate this complex terrain, the question remains: will we assemble the tools necessary for a sustainable future?
Resources
Article: https://www.genevapolicyoutlook.ch/reversing-the-decline-of-diplomacy/ 
Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue: https://hdcentre.org/
 
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ay0RRjNR6Fs
Content   
Guest: David Harland, Executive Director, Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue
Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives Geneva
Producer and editor: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

The Forever Crisis with Adam Day

Welcome to a compelling episode with Adam Day, Head of the UN University Centre for Policy Research in Geneva on his new book, "The Forever Crisis." In this engaging discussion, Adam introduces the concept of complex systems thinking, exploring its applicability to global governance and the pressing issues of our time.
Adam shares his journey from his role as a senior political advisor in Congo to his current position at the UN University's Center for Policy Research. He explains how his experiences led him to delve into the intricacies of complex systems and their unpredictable, yet not entirely unpredictable, nature.
The episode dives into key themes from Adam's book, including environmental governance, large-scale conflict resolution, cybersecurity, and the rise of artificial intelligence. He offers a critique of today's proposals for improving governance on global issues. Adam emphasizes the importance of moving away from linear thinking and top-down approaches, advocating instead for adaptive, networked solutions.
In a thought-provoking conclusion, Adam introduces the idea of a planetary immune system—a visionary concept aimed at addressing global challenges holistically. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in understanding and navigating the complexities of our world today.
Resources
Day, A. (2024). The Forever Crisis: Adaptive Global Governance for an Era of Accelerating Complexity (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003506386
Soon available at UNOG Library
Day, A. (2022). States of Disorder, Ecosystems of Governance: Complexity Theory Applied to UN Statebuilding in the DRC and South. https://unog.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/41UNOG_INST/s5qper/alma991002408952102391
Keinfield, R. (2015) Improving Development Aid Design and Evaluation; Plan for Sailboats not Trains. https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2015/03/improving-development-aid-design-and-evaluation-plan-for-sailboats-not-trains?lang=en
Gladwell, M. (2002). The tipping point. Back Bay Books.
 
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcA39WB1KMo
Content   
Guest: Adam Day, Head, UNU Centre for Policy Research, Geneva
Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives
Producer and editor: Amy Smith
Recorded and produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

AI, Democracy, and International Relations with Jérôme Duberry

Welcome to a thought-provoking episode of The Next Page. Francesco Pisano, Director of the Library & Archives discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence, democracy, and international relations with Professor Jérôme Duberry from the Geneva Graduate Institute. With AI rapidly evolving and influencing political practices, diplomacy, and global governance, understanding its societal implications is more important than ever.
In this episode, Professor Duberry shares his insights on the dual nature of AI in democracy, highlighting both the hopes and concerns it raises. From micro-targeting in political campaigns to AI's role in shaping global policies, we explore how AI is reshaping the way we access information and engage in democratic processes.
As AI becomes a vital tool in diplomatic practice, we discuss its potential to augment human decision-making and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. Professor Duberry also sheds light on the challenges of governing AI on an international scale, examining the debates around AI ethics and regulation.
Finally, we address the importance of AI literacy, particularly for the younger generation, to ensure informed participation in shaping the future of technology. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of AI's impact on our world and the critical need for inclusive governance.
Books by Jérôme Duberry:
Duberry, J. (2022). Artificial Intelligence and Democracy: Risks and Promises of AI-Mediated Citizen-Government Relations. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing. 
Duberry, J. (2019). Global Environmental Governance in the Information Age: Civil Society Organizations and Digital Media. Abingdon, UK : Routledge.
 Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Voay4XN23UA
Content   
Guest: Dr. Jérôme Duberry, Managing Director of the Tech Hub, Co-Director Ad-Interim, Executive Education, and Senior Researcher at the Albert Hirschman Center on Democracy 
Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives
Production and editing: Amy Smith

Paying for Multilateralism: the financing of IOs in Geneva

Livio Silva-Müller and Remo Gassman speak with us about their findings on the financing of international organizations in Geneva, published in a report by the Geneva Graduate Institute. Their illuminating report covers 16 organizations and spans two decades, from 2000 to 2020, providing a comprehensive analysis of financial contributions to Geneva-based international organizations.
Livio and Remo put into perspective the total of 23.6 billion USD contributed in 2020 to the 16 organizations in the study and leave us with five take-away points from their research.
Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of multilateral funding, the role of major donors, and hear about some surprising findings that emerged from their meticulous research. Understand the trends, challenges, and implications of funding for international organizations dedicated to global health, humanitarian efforts, and beyond.
Discover how this research sheds light on the stability and future of international Geneva. Gain insights into the complexities of studying the financing of international organizations and future research needed to explore potential avenues for enhancing funding strategies moving forward.
Resources
Read the report and check out the figures mentioned in the conversation: https://www.graduateinstitute.ch/sites/internet/files/2024-06/geneva-policy-outlook-report.pdf
 
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ay0RRjNR6Fs
Content   
Guests:
Livio Silva-Müller, PhD researcher, Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy, Geneva Graduate Institute.
Remo Gassmann, Program Director, Global Development Policy, Heinrich Böll Foundation
Host, producer and editor: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Insights from the World Happiness Report with John Helliwell

Join us as we delve into the World Happiness Report with the distinguished Professor Emeritus John Helliwell. As a founding editor of the report, Professor Helliwell shares the origins of the report, the methodology behind measuring happiness, and the profound implications of the findings.
Discover the pivotal role of the 2011 UN Resolution supported by Bhutan, the importance of subjective well-being data, and how the report has evolved to influence global perspectives on happiness and well-being. Learn about the top-ranking countries and the factors that contribute to their success, as well as surprising findings from this year's report.
Professor Helliwell also explores the significance of social connections, trust, and benevolence, shedding light on how these elements impact our daily lives and national policies. This episode is a deep dive into the science of happiness and a call to integrate well-being into every aspect of decision-making.
Tune in to understand how we can all contribute to a happier, more compassionate world.
 
Resources
The World Happiness Report 2024: https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2024/
The Gallup poll:
https://news.gallup.com/poll/612125/happiest-country-earth.aspx
Sustainable Development Solutions Network:
https://www.gallup.com/analytics/247355/gallup-world-happiness-report.aspx
What's the happiest country in the world?
https://news.gallup.com/poll/612125/happiest-country-earth.aspx
 
The Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford: https://wellbeing.hmc.ox.ac.uk/
 
Professor Helliwell’s book recommendation:
Gawande, A. (2014). Being mortal: Medicine and what matters in the end. Metropolitan Books/Henry Holt and Company.
https://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/
 
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube:
Content   
Guest: John Helliwell
Host, producer and editor: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Informing Interwar Internationalism: The League of Nations Information Service

In this episode, Emil Seidenfaden, an historian presently undertaking postdoctoral research at the Saxo Institute, University of Copenhagen, joined us to talk about his recent book, Informing Interwar Internationalism.
This fascinating work combines international history and media history and explores the intersection of journalism and diplomacy at the time of the League of Nations.
Emil talks about the relationship between public information and legitimacy, and how the Information Section officials at the League negotiated the tensions between propaganda, public opinion and internationalism.
 
Resources
Seidenfaden, E. E. (2024). Informing Interwar Internationalism: The Information Strategies of the League of Nations. Bloomsbury Academic. Histories of Internationalism
 
Seidenfaden, E. E. (2020). Daniel Hucker, Public Opinion and Twentieth-Century Diplomacy. A Global Perspective. Leiden: Brill.
Potter, S. J. (2023). Broadcasting in the Cause of Peace: Regulating International Radio Propaganda in Europe, 1921–1939. The International History Review, 45(6), 843–864. https://doi.org/10.1080/07075332.2023.2224352
Sweetser, A. (1916) Roadside Glimpses of the Great War. Macmillan. London.
Covenant of the League of Nations: https://libraryresources.unog.ch/ld.php?content_id=32971179
The League of Nations Information Section: https://libraryresources.unog.ch/LONSecretariat/information
 
Emil’s book recommendation:
Cohen, D. (2023). Last Call at the Hotel Imperial. The Reporters Who Took On A World At War. Penguin Random House.
 
Where to listen to this episode 
Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy
YouTube:
Content   
Guest: Emil Seidenfaden
Host, producer and editor: Amy Smith
Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva