Diplomacy CableEditors' Pick

The Diplomacy Cable 12/19/2016

The Diplomacy Cable

With the invention of the telegraph cables in the 19th century, international consulates and embassies began sending shorter encrypted telegrams, using Morse Code. While the messages are now sent electronically, the moniker “cable” stuck and the term is still in use today for shorter, encrypted diplomatic messages.

 

North Korean YouTube Channel Blocked

In order to avoid breaching U.S. sanctions against North Korea, YouTube has blocked the state’s television channel. Google has also blocked the channel to avoid violating sanctions. According to the Washington Post, “the action was taken not because of the content in the channel but because the North Korean government could earn money from YouTube through advertising.”

Wonder Woman and the UN

The United Nations (UN) made Wonder Woman an honorary ambassador in October in order to promote messages about women’s empowerment and gender-based violence. According to BBC, the UN ended the campaign less than two months into her appointment and has yet to provide reasoning why. The comic book heroine has been criticized for her “sexualized” appearance.

Putin’s Challenge for the 2018 Russian Presidential Bid

Former lawyer and opposition activist Alexei Navalny has launched his campaign for the 2018 Russian Presidential Election. Navalny released a video statement addressing corruption, boosting wages and pensions, and reforming the judiciary and police, says the Moscow Times.

Mexico and the World’s Smallest Porpoise

In a joint effort, Mexican authorities and scientists have removed “ghost” fishing nets in order to save the world’s smallest porpoise. In three months, they have removed over 100 nets that were either dumped or lost at sea. According to BBC, “conservationists say they fear the porpoise will be extinct by 2022.”

Anne Frank

Researchers at the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam have re-evaluated the theory that the famous teenaged diary writer and her family were betrayed thus leading to their arrest. CNN reports there was illegal work with ration coupons taking place in the building that the police were already investigating, and this new study suggests the police found the annex where Frank was hidden by chance.

 

Diplomacy Fast Facts:

Who can nominate ambassadors?

Only the President.

Patricia Mace is a second semester graduate student at Seton Hall University. She is currently pursuing her dual master’s degrees in Diplomacy and International Relations and Strategic Communications. She received her undergraduate degrees from University of Delaware.

Erin Dobbs is a second year graduate student at Seton Hall University. She is pursuing her master’s degree in diplomacy and international relations with specializations in foreign policy analysis and global negotiation and conflict management. She received her undergraduate degree in political science and history from Villanova University.

Follow the Journal of Diplomacy on Twitter at @JournalofDiplo

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