Comments for Diplo

Comment on The evolution of state virtue: From Plato to Adam Smith by Hassan Talib

Hassan Talib — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 10:58:20 +0000

Aldo Matteucci provides an informative insightful article. I think, for Adam Smith, the economy, which he knows better, guided his insights that have been provided in ‘The Wealth of Nations’, which emerged in the middle of 18th century, at a time where the hand of monarchy was so strong, reachable and fearful. Meanwhile, the universal anger of the populace, in general, through history, against the status quo, has been a product of the accumulation of lack or insufficient recognition, which led to usurpation of their rights, hence their disappearance from the radar of both the ruler and the rich. This had happened at the time of the French revolution in 1789 and the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. It’s true that passion leads to and generate more passion, anger breeds anger, whether that in politics or business. Judaism has its own checks and balance, followed by Christianity, which tends to ascetic behavior to check the exaggerations of the rich that have been developed through the centuries of practicing Judaism. In Islam, the accountability, whether financially, politically or virtually, is to be balanced and checked by adherence and oversight of the ruler, who is to be elected through the Shurah (electoral college) where he and the subjects who elected him, are all accountable before Allah. The difference between the Islamic economic theory of income distribution and Capitalism, is that the distribution of income and wealth in general, comes from the cardinal rank of the Zakah (which is an annual income tax of 2.5% on assets together with specific percentages on livestock, grains, mineral wealth and etc.;) considered as a religious duty rather than just an economic arrangement. Also, the Islamic system of inheritance is a sustainable system of the economic and social consequences that provide sustainable and cohesive integrity to the network of family and society. The difference between Islamic and other secular and capitalist theories is that the former is an applied theory of development based on previous experiences of other ecclesial religions, notably, Judaism and Christianity. In Islam, the accountability is bestowed by Allah for the believers who are entrusted with the duty to check the passion of both the sovereign and the rich, politically and economically. The sovereign must be elected and under perennial oversight by all those he rules over them; and is obliged to get a satisfactory recognition among the ruled on his conduct and integrity. On the other hand, the rich must be seen as paying the annual tax (Zakah) that is enshrined as the 3rd rank of the cardinal Pillars of Islam, together with the Shahadah (Confession of Unity of Allah and the Truthful Message of Prophet Mohammad), Prayer, Fasting and Pilgrimage. Islamic economic thought, particularly in areas of the virtue of the sovereign, management of checks and balances and social integration, may constitute a start for political and economic scholars to produce a novel universal and balanced sustainable paradigm that could sustain a better social, political and economic governance which could be a practical and applicable alternative that find the recognition of around 30% of world population.

Comment on We all need accessibility. To everything. Really. by Ginger Paque

Ginger Paque — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:15:26 +0000

Yes, Steph, exactly, well stated! I’m looking forward to the Geneva Engage Accessibility Award tomorrow — it’s important for awareness raising and good practices tomorrow https://www.diplomacy.edu/event/9th-geneva-engage-awards/ Congratulations to all of the finalists!

Comment on We all need accessibility. To everything. Really. by Stephanie Borg Psaila

Stephanie Borg Psaila — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 19:54:52 +0000

Great article Ginger! To me, this is key: The need for web accessibility – making websites and content as accessible as possible – no matter an individual’s physical and cognitive abilities.

Comment on The Ambassadors Reimagined: How Holbein’s painting can inspire global AI negotiations? by Jovan Kurbalija

Jovan Kurbalija — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 17:27:29 +0000

In reply to Sushma Joshi. Sushima, it is a real dilemma. Could we contain the Orewelian scenario? I do not know. We should try everything possible as this is a battle for what defines us as humans.

Comment on The Vienna Nexus: Five thinkers who coded the operating system of modernity by Jovan Kurbalija

Jovan Kurbalija — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 05:37:46 +0000

In reply to Valentin Nikolov. Thank you, Valentin! Your encouragement is very important for us!

Comment on The Vienna Nexus: Five thinkers who coded the operating system of modernity by Valentin Nikolov

Valentin Nikolov — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:25:04 +0000

Dear Jovan and Team,
I wish to reassure you that the Recycling Ideas newsletter is timely and very useful.
Thank you for this intellectual and creative effort!
Valentin (Diplo alumnus, current diplomatic officer)

Comment on The Ambassadors Reimagined: How Holbein’s painting can inspire global AI negotiations? by Sushma Joshi

Sushma Joshi — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:39:40 +0000

Wonderful analysis. I love the historical art as metaphor to understand the imperatives of AI.

You are assuming however that humans operate with goodness in their heart. We could very well be looking at an extraordinarily evil system which intends to insert itself into people’s brains as nanoparticles, injected via vaccines, to create a giant synthesis of human knowledge for private gain (eg; something like ChatGPT.) All of these tech are well recorded: someone decided to use human DNA in the brain as electronic censors and DARPA gave him funding; these synthetic nanoparticles can be injected into the body; Neuralink links brain to net, ChatGPT started “chatting” right after billions were injected with experimental vaccines…this is all part of AI, breaking down ethical boundaries.
AI might be useful in a world ruled by good. In a world ruled by evil where capitalist profit trumps every other motive, it could become a terrifying global control apparatus.

Comment on Axial Age in China: Timeless reflections for AI era from Chinese philosophy by Sushma Joshi

Sushma Joshi — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 08:46:55 +0000

Interesting analysis of how ancient Chinese classical thoughts can be used for AI governance. Also interesting to see China recently formulated three regulations on AI and digital data. I’m going to assume Western countries are still at the handwringing, “do we regulate or do we not regulate” stage. Please share more on these three new policies and regulations.

Comment on Exploring the power of AI: Diplomatic language as Turing Test by Adam

Adam — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 14:06:00 +0000

I usually enjoy reading your writings, and I like that you shared this though.

Comment on 4 online etiquette rules in for 2022 by David

David — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 05:34:04 +0000

Adapting to online etiquette rules in 2022 is crucial for respectful and productive virtual interactions. Stay mindful and considerate!