Diplomatic Courier

Where will Diplomatic Courier be this year? Find us at these events around the world, from #UNGA to the #G7 and #G20 meetings. We’d love to see you there! 

Diplomatic Courier editor Melissa Metos brings you three under–the-radar stories from Africa in October: Senegal's first satellite, a drought and hunger crisis in southern Africa, and a disturbing rise of sexual assaults and follow-on mental health concerns in the DRC. ✔️ Africa has now launched more than 60 satellites from 17 countries. ✔️ As of 15 October 2024, five southern African countries have declared national disasters. ✔️ A Tutsi–led insurgency in mineral rich eastern Congo has, as of August 2024, displaced millions. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eyKffby3 #UnderTheRadar #Africa #Senegal #Congo

In the wake of the BRICS Summit, writes Jonathan Gregory, it is fair to ask: What does the BRICS alliance seek to accomplish and what is its identity? ✔️ In 2024, the BRICS alliance moved beyond its core members. ✔️ The BRICS expansion is not without its problems. ✔️ BRICS continues to advocate for a multipolar world less dominated by the West. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e-HgeJjc #BRICS #BRICSSummit #G7 #G20 #Global

“The Gardener of Lashkar Gah” by Larisa Brown explores the moral impact that the withdrawal from Afghanistan had on those Afghans who worked with allied forces, writes Joshua Huminski. Read more about this week’s book club pick at diplobookclub.com #dcbookclub

When authoritarian leaders make bold claims that seem impossible, unlikely, or even just undesirable to the rest of the world, public voices often are quick to discount, downplay, or ignore those claims. Don't make that mistake with China, writes Dr. Ian Ralby. ✔️ It is clear that China has been deploying all 11 forms of non–kinetic warfare. ✔️ They said they were going to do that. So why are we surprised?  ✔️ The “BRICS” block has been toying with the possibility of establishing a “BRICS trade currency.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eFgU-cfF #BRICS #China #Russia #Brazil #BRICSSummit Jeremy Fugleberg Shane Szarkowski, PhD

“Who Will Defend Europe?” by Keir Giles is both a manifesto and a call to arms, where he warns of what the repercussions will be if Europe and the U.S. continue to underestimate the long–term threat of Russia, writes Joshua Huminski. ✔️ “Who Will Defend Europe?” continues Giles’ streak of lamentations and castigations. ✔️ For Giles, the threat from Russia is as urgent as ever. ✔️ The polemical equation Giles pens yields a clear result. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eFYhPfqE #Europe #Book #BookReview #Security #Peace

In today’s information environment, even factual information can mislead. It’s a major threat to society, and is one that media literacy is intended to explain and address—but these efforts are often overlooked, writes Brain Trust member Tom Plant. https://lnkd.in/edHaBTir

Bulgarians are set to vote in a parliamentary election on Sunday for the seventh time in only three years. Gallup polling found that Bulgarians’ confidence in their elections is the lowest in the world, write Galina Zapryanova and Preslav Tonkov. ✔️ Gallup surveys show only 10% of Bulgarians trust the integrity of their elections. ✔️ The current challenges with forming a stable government in Bulgaria date back to 2020. ✔️ Bulgarians’ lack of confidence in elections is not new. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e5JVduvw #Bulgaria #BulgariaElection #EasternEurope #Europe #Gallup

On the occasion of the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings, Diplomatic Courier and CAS Strategies, LLC hosted the Global Action Forum, a principals-only convening is focused on connecting senior decision makers shaping the future of global AI safety and governance. The convening focused on creating space for Global Majority countries and corresponding senior government leaders to coalesce around a policy agenda that can inform participation in the upcoming AI Action Summit scheduled for February 10-11, 2025 hosted by the French government. The Forum featured representatives from Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Benin, Chile, Jamaica, Brazil, Barbados, Peru, India, Singapore, UK, France, and U.S., along with participation from a range of civil society and industry participants including from The Brookings Institution, Center for International Private Enterprise, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Mozilla, Google, and Kyndryl, among many others. A big thank you to all the partners, speakers, participants, and teams who made the event a success! Camille Stewart Gloster, Esq, Ana Carcani Rold, Anne Bouverot, Ambassador Philip Thigo, MBS, Louisa Tomar, Chinasa T. Okolo, Ph.D., Trisha R., Martin Tisné, Aubra Anthony, Iria Puyosa, Center for International Private Enterprise, International Arts & Artists, Girl Security, Atlantic Council, Omidyar Network, Divjot Singh Bawa, Jassum Gloster, Beki Adams, Tahia Marable, Danielle Veira, CPCC, Pamela Kelley Lauder, Afua Bruce, Jane Munga, John Walubengo, CISA, CDPSE, (OGW), Tatyana B., cordel green, Megan M. Roberts, Andrew Gruen, Daniel O'Maley, Dr. Pape Cisse, PMP, Océane Thieriot, Fariba Wells, Eniola Aloba.

We are excited to be the official Media Partner for the 2024 WMGIC x NATO Countering Disinformation Challenge organized by the William & Mary Global Innovation Challenge (WMGIC). Join hundreds of undergraduate students across NATO Member and Partner Nations in developing solutions to current world dilemmas. Register by Oct. 25th to guarantee your space! https://bit.ly/WMGICxNATO