The Diplomacy Cable 01/17/2016
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.
Trump and South China Sea
According to Chinese state media, “the US risks a “large-scale war” with China if it attempts to blockade islands in the South China Sea”. China has built artificial islands in the South China Sea, despite there being rival claims from five south-east Asian neighbors as well as Taiwan. The Guardian reports that China’s official response was less confrontational.
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Power Shortages and Protests in Gaza
Thousands of Gaza residents have taken to the streets in protest of both the Hamas-run Gaza power authority and the local electricity company. Many have been without power for more than 18 hours, according to BBC. The protest near Jebaliya refugee camp is one of the largest unauthorized and unplanned protests since the 2007 protests to remove Hamas officials from the Fatah movement.
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Less Children in Southern Europe
A recent French report has found that women in Europe are having less children, particularly in Southern Europe, reports BBC. Of women born in the 1970s, over one fifth of them remain childless. The factors identified include lack of family-friendly work policies and unstable labor market.
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Morocco Prohibits Sale of Full-Face Veil
Local media sources report that for security reasons, Morocco has banned the production and sale of full-face veils. According to Aljazeera, there has yet to be an official announcement from authorities. While most women prefer hijabs, there remain regions that prefer niqab.
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Russia’s Top Taboos
In a recent poll, sex was identified as the biggest taboo amongst Russian families. Independent pollster the Levada Center shared results on Tuesday, which also indicated suicide and death were controversial topics to discuss. According to the Moscow Times, 1,600 people were surveyed in 48 regions across Russia.
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Diplomacy Fast Facts:
Who is the current ambassador to Japan?
Caroline Kennedy.
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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.
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