https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/117065 2026-09-09T11:56:18Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/117990 Title: Adopting artificial intelligence for sustainable development : examples of science diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic Abstract: The preliminary observation that inspires this study is that many countries are held back by data capacity deficits and incapacity in diagnosing spatial distribution of socioeconomic vulnerabilities. This has manifested into inability to identify the socioeconomically vulnerable and the inability to prioritise the resources to the most vulnerable households. This study seeks to demonstrate concrete applicability of science diplomacy theory through adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for sustainable development against the socioeconomic manifestations of Covid 19 in Togo. The study finds that supervised Machine Learning Algorithms and satellite Imageries were accurate in mapping poverty distribution across 100 poorest cantons as well as to identify small pocket of poverty within the generally wealthy geographic coverages. However, the bearers of poverty are people not geographic locations. To target specific poorest individual Call Detail Records of the mobile phone use features were adopted to determine parsimony levels as the reflection of poverty status. Based on the observation on accuracy of cash transfers, the study invokes the inferences and implications on the progress towards target 17.18 addressing availability of reliable data as the starting point for locating the cross-target synergies and trade-offs which are requisite for tapping into the transformative potential of the sustainable development agenda. Description: M. CD(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/117935 Title: Are diplomatic training programs meeting the needs of the modern diplomat? Abstract: Our research has revealed that there is enormous disparity in the course content of diplomatic training programs worldwide, as every country/region has its own unique geopolitical and cultural policy goals. Therefore, I propose concentrating on emotional intelligence (EQ) specifically, as a universally valuable component of the diplomatic training curriculum. Why EQ? The modern diplomat faces many challenges, from war to pandemics; to climate change; thus, the work of a diplomat is a calling—a vocation, not just a career choice. Diplomats require well-honed EQ skills in all their interactions, particularly when facing crises, forming strategic relationships, and interacting effectively with the network of actors involved in today’s international diplomacy. The millennial diplomats, however, are comparatively deficient in EQ due to their constant exposure to, and immersion in, inanimate online communication via the internet and social media, resulting in a lack of confidence in face-to-face interaction. This unnerving reality is compounded by Dr. Jovan Kurbalija’s prediction that “One of the main functions of diplomacy in the future will be to manage conflict and tension in an increasingly interconnected cyber world.” (Kurbalija, 2010). Hence the need for a specific foundational course encompassing all the elements of emotional intelligence to prepare the 21st-century diplomat for the inevitable challenges ahead. Description: M. CD(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/117934 Title: The role of economic diplomacy in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and its impacts in industrial development in Tanzania Abstract: The study examined the role of economic diplomacy in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and its impacts in industrial development in Tanzania. The study was guided by the economic internationalization theory. The study used descriptive and case study designs. Mixed research approach was applied in this study so as to collect both numerical and narrative data. Purposive sampling technique was applied and data were collected using closed ended questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. Findings about the effectiveness of the Tanzania’s Foreign Policy indicated that the Tanzania’s foreign policy is effective as it has a power of lobbying, negotiations, advocacy, bargaining and the power of creating conducive environment for investors. For instance, the total value of foreign investments in Tanzania in the period March-November 2021 reached USD 4.144 billion. This is 300% more than the USD 1.013 billion in FDIs in 2020. Findings about the roles of Tanzania Embassies in attracting FDI revealed that embassies are key players in attracting FDI through promotion of trade, promotion of tourism, search for appropriate and affordable technology, maintaining good relationship with other countries and promoting economic interests of a country. This has accelerated the import and export and import. For instance, in 2020 Tanzania was the number 75 economy in the world in terms of GDP (current US$), the number 107 in total exports, the number 87 in total imports, the number 171 economy in terms of GDP per capita (current US$). In terms of top exports of Tanzania are Gold ($2.36B), Nuts, ($386M), Copper; ($345M), Precious metal ($343M), and Vegetables, ($208M). Findings about extent to which FDI has enhanced industrial development in areas of technology, job creation, and industrial output and government revenues; indicated that to a higher extent, FDI has enhanced industrial development. The study recommended that the government of Tanzania should review its existing economic diplomacy policies in order to attract more FDIs and enhance industrial development. To attract more FDIs, the government should improve the budget and working environment for Embassies to play their key roles including promotion of trade, promotion of tourism, and search for appropriate as well as affordable technology, maintaining good relationship with other countries and promoting economic interests of a country. The study further recommended that barriers to FDIs should be removed through creating conducive business environment. This should go hand in hand with maintaining peace and security in the country as well as improvement of infrastructure as a key aspect in the attraction of FDIs. Recommendation was made that more awareness should be built among implementers of the foreign policy to avoid bureaucracy and corruption as hindrance of FDIs. Finally, the government should effectively enhance export promotion policies, import substitution strategy of industrialization, and strengthen investment in science and technology to increase Tanzania’s competitive edge in the international market. Description: M. CD(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/117931 Title: A case study on EU-North African relations : EU-Egypt relations on democracy prior to and following the Arab Spring Abstract: The demonstrations of the Arab Spring uprisings on pro-democracy took place in the North African region and the Middle East. The wave of the protests began in 2010 in Tunisia, which escalated to several North African countries, such as Libya, Yemen, Syria, Tunisia and Egypt. The Arab Spring aggravated the situation in Egypt and ever since then, Egypt witnessed waves of repression, sporadic violence, protests and political turnover. Human dignity, social justice and freedom were the three crucial central concerns in the streets of Egypt as their first protest rally on the 25th of January 2011. The protests initially began as it raised hopes for millions of Egyptians with an interest in promoting democracy. In spite of this, the European Union was quick in recognising the challenges North African countries were encountering in terms of economic and political transition. This study focuses on the democratic transition in the Arab world; however, the main case is based on Egypt. The main objective of this study is to perceive whether international actors such as the EU helped shape the process in the promoting democracy in Egypt. The aims of this dissertation are first, to determine, list and explain some of the most salient recommendations, decisions, and agreements relating to democracy, human rights, rule of law and fundamental freedoms as ratified by the EU and by its Member States. Subsequently, the analysis measures the current democratic developments in Egypt and critically assess the impact of the EU’s policies initiated as a response to Egypt. Finally, it will conclude with the outcome of the political transition in Egypt. Description: M. CD(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z