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

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

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