New Diplo Focussed Academic Discussion Space - DISCUSS

Countdown: one week left for #igf10 - to warm up, an exciting new focussed discussion space where you can discuss specific topics to a higher academic level

http://DISCUSS.diplomacy.edu

This will help to establish new parameters on the issues, and push the limits from 'brainstorming session' to 'think tank'.

We will discuss three issues which we have found relevant in our networking spaces, from informal chats with our students to formal meetings at the IGF.

First is NETWORK NEUTRALITY. It is becoming THE issue of the Internet governance debate even surpassing the traditional 'THE' issue – ICANN’s role in IG. In April, at the EuroDIG (Madrid), there was a very inspiring and comprehensive discussion on network neutrality. The enclosed discussion space contains both open issues raised in Madrid and new issues that have emerged in the meantime, which will be discussed in Vilnius. The discussion focuses on shapping arguments, major players and policy options among others. Here it is: http://discuss.diplomacy.edu/nn/

Second is the IGF EXPERIENCE. It is based on the last year’s paper ‘14 lessons from IGF’. After many comments and discussions, this paper has been restructured and now contains 15 lessons/experiences. Discussion focuses on the numerous successes of the IGF (engaging broader community, inter-professional communication) as well as some aspects that need improving, such as engaging governments, especially from small and developing states. The outcome of the discussion will be summarized for IGF-Vilnius sessions/discussion on the future organisation of the IGF. You can comment at http://discuss.diplomacy.edu/igf/

Third is the HISTORY OF THE INTERNET. As you know, there are many ‘histories’ of the Internet. Who did what? What was the ‘tipping point’, the point when the Internet took off? Although it is a short history (40+ years), it is packed with controversy. The reason is very simple. The Internet is a great success and many people would like to be part of that success. Faced with so many competing stories and anecdotes and guided by our approach to providing our students with a balanced and objective view on the history of the Internet, we asked Ian Peter to prepare a four-session course covering a variety of points. As you will see he has delivered very engaging and comprehensive material. It is a good starting point for our discussion. Please contribute your reflections, stories, comments and corrections at http://discuss.diplomacy.edu/internethistory/

Over the next days, we will feature interesting comments made on Twitter and other social spaces - let's get started!