Here’s a PDx interview with GW graduate student Mohammad Fayaz Yourish. He is in his final year of the MA program in Global Communication, graduating this December. As an international student who has studied in India and Italy, he shares his experiences of coming to the U.S. for graduate school. In the podcast, Fayaz reflects on his time at the George Washington University and living in the nation’s capital.
“Diversity of the GW campus is very important and I think every student must make the best of that while being at GW.”
Mohammad Fayaz Yourish, MA Global Communication, Dec 2024
From his very first semester, Fayaz has given a lot of support to IPDGC events and GW student-focused activities such as the Walter Roberts Annual Lectures which feature leading voices in global communication or public diplomacy; hosting the State Department’s International Women of Courage panel at GW, and career talks with alums of the Global Communication MA program.
Fayaz has also been working on student engagement which means attending conferences like the Global Ties US National Meeting where public diplomacy practitioners, community organizations and government agencies gather – taking the opportunity to talk to attendees about the Global Communication program at the Elliott School.
By Alexis Posel, IPDGC Communications Student Assistant
Laura Brendle graduated from the M.A.Global Communication graduate program in 2018. She was the recipient of that year’s Student Public Diplomacy Award which recognized her efforts in public diplomacy studies.
She currently works at Webrepublic, a digital advertising agency in Switzerland, where Laura is originally from. Her academic journey in the Global Communications program has taken her into the world of international marketing.
Tell me about how you chose to come to GW for the MA program in Global Communications. And what are you doing after your graduation?
I began my program at GW in 2016. It was a very interesting year, politically. You can’t hear it from my voice, but I’m actually Swiss, not American.
I had been in the UK and working in the film industry over there at the time, watching the US election happen. I always had this interest in global politics, and also in the politics of the U.S. So, that’s how I chose to come to GW for my master’s degree in Global Communication. I think that kind of sets the scene for my kind of non-traditional pathway in both directions.
After graduation, I began working in the digital advertising industry. I got into that (job) because I of a class I had taken at the School of Media and Public Affairs. And this was where I met my future boss – they had been a guest lecturer in one of the classes. So, I worked for the digital agency Targeted Victory for a year after graduating.
Later, I returned to Switzerland, where I began working at another digital advertising agency, Webrepublic – no longer focused on politics, (but) on all aspects of advertising.
While I’m not the traditional candidate to be talking about why the Global Communication program as I think a lot of people may not want to go on the path that I’ve gone, I think this MA program has definitely helped me in my current industry: learning from people with different experiences and analyzing the way that people think – especially in the political communication aspect – knowing how to influence or how the media influences, are all things that are beneficial to know.
Looking back on your time at GW, which classes do you think have helped you figure out what you wanted to do?
What I think I have gained overall from the Global Communication program is communication (skills). Getting your point across succinctly, using these skills of persuasion, and understanding the person that you’re speaking to. Those are kind of the strategies that I still employ in advertising.
The class on Strategic Politics left an impression on me about using humor strategically. It was a really interesting class combining comedy and politics – learning how to use humor in communication to get your point across. It was something so different that could connect all my interests as I was working on the comedy side of things while working in the film industry.
As I mentioned, in joining Targeted Victory, I was a Republican public communications, PR and advertising firm. I went into that because GW can be a very liberal bubble for a European person, not understanding the perspective of why Trump happened. So, I was curious to get into a space with Republicans and figure out what happened there. That was my motivation, but then I fell in love with advertising through working there.
Another experience I want to mention is the Capstone project at the Elliot School of International Affairs. My group brought together different knowledge and skills – one person was focused on trafficking issues, and another was focused on international women’s policies. I brought in the global communication aspect. We traveled to South Korea and interviewed North Korean refugees, in particular, refugees who had been trafficked across the border with China.
I love that the Global Communication program could give all these different touch points with all these different people from different areas of expertise and help translate things into a community communications perspective.
Congratulations to Global Comm graduate student Rehana Paul for being a recipient of this year’s International Women of Elliott Awards!
The International Women of Elliott (I/WE) Student Awards, established by the International Women of Elliott Executive Circle, provides recipients with financial support for various programs, activities, and needs related to their academic program (including conference and tuition fees and unpaid internships) if they have demonstrated commitment to advancing women’s roles in international affairs worldwide.
As a recipient of the International Women of Elliott Award, I am empowered to continue studying the role of women in countering violent extremism, as well as the impact of CVE/CT campaigns on marginalized women. This award will allow me to fully devote myself to pursuing my MA in Global Communications, as well as working on the International Religious Freedom Reports at the State Department. I am honored to join a community devoted to promoting women’s leadership, and look forward to learning from the strong women who compose it.
Saiansha Panangipalli is a former Global Initiatives Fellow at GW who graduated from the M.A.Global Communication graduate program in 2021.
She currently works as the Programs and Communications Lead at the Science Innovation and Technology Network at the British High Commission in India. Previously, she worked as a communication and project management intern at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in India, a Media and Public Affairs Intern at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and as a Communication Intern and Volunteer at the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C.
In this PDx podcast with GW Graduate Fellow Fayaz Yourish, Saiansha reflects on her time at GW and how the experience helped her thrive professionally. She underscores the skills and experiences acquired in and outside the classroom at GW and provides valuable advice to prospective students interested in the M.A. in Global Communications program at GW.
Learn more about Saiansha’s diverse experiences and how she inspires the next generation at GW.
Last year we introduced Christopher Teal, the Institute’s Public Diplomacy Fellow for 2022-2024. As a GW alumnus, he has enjoyed his time back on campus and now being on the “other side of the academic fence”, teaching an undergraduate course in public diplomacy. In this video interview with GW Graduate Fellow Mohamad Fayaz Yourish, Chris talks about how he integrates his practical insights from the diplomacy field into his classes.
In his long diplomatic career, Chris has been the director of the State Department’s Career Development and Assignments Mid-Level Division. His extensive overseas assignments include serving as Consul General in Nogales, Mexico, and various public affairs positions in countries like Sri Lanka, Mexico, Peru, and the Dominican Republic.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your background (where you’re from and/or grew up) and what brought you to GW?
I’m from Dallas, Texas born and raised. I lived there all my life and then went to my undergraduate institution, the University of North Texas, where I got my degree in peace studies and conflict resolution. It was a very different field compared to Global Communication which I’m currently doing at GW as a master’s student. What got me interested in Global Communications was learning about the impact that media and media’s effect had on peace negotiations and peace processes either as spoilers, inhibitors, or something that helped further negotiations. It also really brought on my interest in a two-party system, learning about how important it is for an individual and for citizen diplomacy. After I knew that I was really interested, GW had one of the best programs for Global Communications and it was one of the only schools where I could focus on and do something in public diplomacy.
2. What drew you to pursue a graduate degree in Global Communication?
I was drawn to doing a graduate degree in Global Communication because it’s so versatile. Working with media and news outlets, and even how you produce images and content is how building a positive perception in international affairs is run. Global Communication is a way that you get to influence and create those perceptions and that’s something that I feel is widely ignored and not acknowledged in international affairs. I think Global Communication is such a great program where I can touch on so many things but still have my own perspective on a variety of topics.
3. How has your experience at GW prepared you for a career in international affairs and public diplomacy?
My master’s program is enhancing and building on skills that I’ve already learned in past internships or fellowships. I’ve gotten to build upon what I learned in my undergraduate degree which was stuck inside of theory and now at GW, I’m getting to be in classes where I’m learning practical skills. I get to be in classes that simulate working in an embassy, writing press memos, doing speech correspondence, and pretending to prepare ambassadors on press releases. These are all opportunities that I was not able to do before coming to GW, and these are skills you can put on a resume that any employer is looking for.
4. What specific courses or projects have you found most impactful during your Global Communication program?
I think the most impactful project I’ve done so far is my Embassy project that I’ve been doing in my Public Diplomacy seminar. I am doing mine on the U.S. Embassy and Turkey and it is a semester-long project where I’m getting to simulate and work like I’m in an embassy in the public diplomacy sector. In this project, I’m getting to write press memos, prepare a media strategy, and create a perception of what we want to do at the Embassy. I am able to propose my ideas and engage with the rest of my class and it’s been great getting all the feedback from my fellow students. Also, it’s great having a professor who has done this for a career in the Middle East and Africa.
5. What advice do you have for future students who are interested in pursuing a Global Communication graduate degree?
I think what is important for someone wanting to pursue a graduate degree in Global Communication is to try out a lot of different areas of communications. I think that either working in media, international exchange, or working in programming and public engagement on an international scale is helpful. I’ve done things ranging from political advocacy to congressional relations while also doing programming and public engagement on the nonprofit level. These experiences give you an understanding of all aspects of the field and it broadens your knowledge when entering a master’s degree so that you’re able to contribute to your class, and your education by having all of these different experiences.
Gabrielle was interviewed by GW undergraduate Alexis Posel. Alexis is a political science major working with IPDGC as a Communications Assistant.
By Mohamad Fayaz Yourish, MA Global Communication ’25
1. Can you tell us a bit about your background (where you’re from and/or grew up) and what brought you to GW to pursue a graduate degree in Global Communication?
As a non-traditional student at GW, my background is diverse. After high school, I spent eight years touring and playing in a rocket metal and post-hardcore band, gaining moderate success. However, after the 2016 election, I felt a growing desire to get more politically involved. With the band slowing down, I decided to pursue a political science degree as a way to break out of my small town in South Carolina and make a difference in a larger setting. Juggling full-time work and online undergraduate studies at Arizona State University, I researched potential career paths and discovered the U.S. Foreign Service, particularly the areas of political affairs and public diplomacy, which intrigued me.
I applied for an internship with the State Department and was selected to intern with the consulate in Frankfurt during the spring of 2020. This experience solidified my interest in public diplomacy as I had the opportunity to use my personal background to bridge cultural gaps and build relationships through cultural affairs outreach programs. I also realized my passion for understanding cultures through food and gastronomic diplomacy. In my final year at ASU, I added a communications minor and graduated summa cum laude. When looking for graduate programs, I considered various options related to global communications, intercultural communications, and international and intercultural communications.
What ultimately led me to choose GW was the personal interaction I had with the program director, Dr. William Youmans, during the admitted students day in the spring of 2022. Unlike other programs where I felt a lack of interest in my goals and identity as a student, Dr. Youmans showed genuine interest in me and my aspirations, which drew me towards GW, where the global communications program is housed under the and the Elliott School of International Affairs and the School of Media and Public Affairs. I am now grateful for the decisions I have made and couldn’t be happier with where I am today.
2. What specific courses or projects have you found most impactful so far in your Global Communication program?
My coursework here at GW has been incredibly engaging, covering a wide range of interesting topics. Currently, I am enrolled in a course on global gender policy, where we analyze international agreements and policy documents through a feminist and gendered lens. We critically examine these documents to identify gaps, such as the lack of coverage on LGBTQ issues or the inadequate support for women and children in post-disaster situations. This multidimensional approach has provided me with a solid foundation to draw upon as I was preparing for the Foreign Service Officer Assessment, which I successfully passed.
In terms of projects, there has been a piggyback effect in my academic journey. For instance, in my research design course during my first semester, I worked on a project referred to as the “prospectus.” It involved developing a research paper and designing potential experiments to address a problem. This problem stemmed from my experience standing in line at an anime convention in DC during the summer of 2022. I was intrigued by how exposure to foreign media with accurate cultural depictions could foster positive perceptions and reduce cultural biases.
I explored the potential of using culturally accurate programming to bridge cultural gaps and bring people together in a more inclusive and understanding way, seeing foreign cultures in a positive light rather than as adversaries or unknown entities. This project stemmed from my personal interest in anime and culture, and my desire to understand how they intersect and whether it is possible to eliminate cultural biases through exposure to properly depicted cultural programming.
3. You have recently successfully passed your Foreign Service Officer Assessment, how has your experience at GW helped you achieve that?
This was actually my third attempt at the Foreign Service Officer process, previously known as the Oral Assessment, and my first time making it. My time at GW has been a non-linear journey without a specific course that provided me with a single kernel of knowledge to leverage. Instead, it has been about expanding my thinking and absorbing more knowledge, and then being able to adapt and apply it to different situations. Additionally, I cannot emphasize enough how invaluable it has been to have a public diplomacy scholar like Professor Chris Teal, who is a current Foreign Service Officer, as a resource. Professor Teal has been a massive support in discussing the career path, providing insights on what it looks like, and strategizing how things might unfold throughout the process. While he hasn’t provided me with study materials, being able to bounce ideas off him and draw from his experience has been reassuring and has helped me focus on what I need to learn and how to approach the subject and assessment with more confidence. Having a solid basis to draw from has been extremely helpful in navigating this process.
4. Considering your interest in multiculturalism and understanding different cultures, how has GW provided you with opportunities to connect with individuals from different cultures as part of your academic journey?
I am thoroughly enjoying the multicultural and international environment at GW. Coming from a small town in South Carolina where the population is predominantly white, African American, and Latino/Hispanic, with limited exposure to individuals from other countries, I am thrilled to be able to interact with classmates from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Brazil, Colombia, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and more. Incorporating this international dimension into my education is important to me as I aspire to be a good representative of the United States in my future career as a diplomat. I genuinely enjoy understanding people on a deeper level, recognizing that I have always felt somewhat different from where I come from. Bridging the gap between cultures and gaining a profound understanding of individuals, their personalities, identities, and how their culture influences them, including through food, is a passion of mine. I am particularly fascinated by anthropology and how human society has evolved through food and geography, and I find it incredibly fulfilling to understand people for who they are at their core, irrespective of their origin or background. I am always curious to learn and expand my understanding of different cultures.
5. What advice do you have for future students who are interested in pursuing a Global Communication graduate degree?
If you’re uncertain about a particular decision, my advice would be to go for it. I personally enjoy the flexibility and freedom that the global communications program at GW offers. While there are requirements, such as choosing a concentration, you also have the option to create your own concentration. As long as you can effectively advocate for yourself when communicating with the program director, you can shape your program of study according to your own vision. There will still be core requirements, such as the cornerstone, capstone project, and research methods course, but the rest is up to you to mold in the direction you desire.
One of the unique aspects of the global communications program is that it sits at the intersection of two prominent schools at GW: the Elliott School of International Affairs and the School of Media and Public Affairs. This allows you to draw from both schools and tailor your program to your liking. Personally, I have found this flexibility advantageous when selecting additional courses, such as skills courses from the School of Media and Public Affairs or international affairs courses from global gender policy. It has given me the opportunity to hone in on my specific interests, such as LGBTQ gender and human rights advocacy, and build my own minor within the program. This level of customization is something I did not see in other programs, and it truly sets the global communications program at GW apart.
Matt was interviewed by first-year graduate student Mohamad Fayaz Yourish. Fayaz is also in the Global Communication program working with IPDGC on student engagement.
By Mohamad Fayaz Yourish, MA Global Communication ’25
1. Can you tell us a bit about your background (where you’re from and/or grew up) and what brought you to GW?
I was born and raised in Ridgewood, NJ, in Northern New Jersey, and initially came to Washington, DC to pursue my undergraduate studies at GW. I earned a double major in International Affairs and French language, literature, and Culture, and during my time at GW, I also had the opportunity to spend a year studying at Sciences Po in Paris, France. This experience ignited my passion for cross-cultural communication and exchange, as I realized the value of understanding different cultures in the field of international affairs. Because I think when I was in my undergrad, I knew I was interested in the international affairs field, but I didn’t know it is so broad. I didn’t know what direction I wanted to take it in so that year of exchange really solidified for me that I wanted to continue to be in a space where I could work on cross-cultural communication projects, or issues to take that into a more professional sphere. After graduating from GW, I worked in public diplomacy programs in DC for several years, which further reinforced my interest in this field. I decided to pursue a graduate program to deepen my academic foundation in public diplomacy, and I knew I wanted to stay in DC to continue working while studying. When I came across the Global Communications program at GW, it seemed like the perfect fit for my professional goals and familiarity with the university as an alumna, so I made the decision to return to GW for my graduate studies.
2. What drew you to pursue a graduate degree in Global Communication?
I sought a specialized degree that would align with my career goals in public diplomacy, rather than a general international affairs degree. I recognized the importance of communication skills in my professional career, as I had not taken any communications courses during my undergraduate studies. So, I was drawn to the Global Communications program, which offered a blend of international affairs and communications coursework in collaboration between the School for Media and Public Affairs and the Elliott School of International Affairs. The practical applications of public diplomacy through different courses and the capstone project were also appealing. Moreover, I appreciated GW’s flexibility in scheduling classes, with options for evening, weekend, and summer classes, which allowed me to continue working while pursuing my degree. It felt like the perfect fit for my career aspirations and lifestyle.
3. How has your experience at GW prepared you for a career in international affairs and public diplomacy?
Throughout this program, I have gained valuable hard skills that I now realize are crucial as I approach graduation. The most significant skill I have developed is strategic development of public diplomacy tools. Prior to this program, I did not have a clear conception of strategy in public diplomacy, but many of the classes have complemented each other in demonstrating how to go from the inception of an idea to implementing strategic change. The focus on strategy development, from setting goals to defining objectives and tactics, has been consistently applied across various courses, and I now consider it the most tangible skill I have gained. The program also emphasized strong writing and critical thinking skills, as we frequently applied what we learned through papers, presentations, and media strategies, which has made me a stronger communications professional. One of my professors Patricia Kabra, always said, “everything communicates,” and I now reflect on this in my job, especially considering the high stakes of public diplomacy. This mindset will continue to guide me in my future career, as public diplomacy is inherently forward-facing, requiring the building of mutual trust and interest with diverse populations. Overall, my takeaway from this program has been immense and will undoubtedly shape my career moving forward.
4. What specific courses or projects have you found most impactful during your Global Communication program?
Several classes stand out in my mind as I reflect on my time in this program. One that comes to mind is “Strategic Political Communication” with Professor Ethan Porter at SPAC. This class fundamentally changed my perspective on how the human mind works in the context of communication. It was intriguing to learn about the psychology behind what motivates people to take action, how to connect with them emotionally, and how to navigate information overload in today’s society. The class equipped me with practical strategies that have been proven to work in various applications.
Another noteworthy class was “Public Diplomacy” with Patricia Kabra. The unique setup of the class, where we played the role of a public diplomacy officer at an embassy of our choice, made it exceptionally practical. Throughout the semester, we worked on deliverables such as speech writing, media strategy, briefings, and a final public diplomacy strategy document using our chosen embassy as a case study. This allowed me to gain practical skills in areas like speech writing, which I had not previously experienced.
Lastly, the capstone course was a standout experience for me. It was impressive how this year-long research project provided us with the opportunity to conduct a deep dive into our chosen topic. The fact that GW funded our capstone with travel money added to the richness of our work and the trip itself was instrumental for producing a strong and accurate report. The interviews we conducted with key stakeholders in Serbia and Belgrade, which we were able to do in person, were invaluable to the accuracy and depth of our report. Our presence there demonstrated our commitment to understanding the topic, which would not have been possible without the support of the capstone office. It was a meaningful and enriching experience to conduct research at the master’s level, and I am grateful for the opportunity.
5. What advice do you have for future students who are interested in pursuing a Global Communication graduate degree? Many people pursue a master’s degree to specialize after completing a more general undergraduate degree. This program focused on public diplomacy and global communication, offers targeted knowledge and skills. However, it’s important to note that this degree is highly applicable in various professional fields. Even if you don’t see yourself as a career public diplomacy officer, the program provides flexibility for diverse career paths. It equips you with strong communication skills that are transferable to public relations, public affairs, exchange programs, and more. It deepens your existing knowledge of communication and international affairs and helps you discover your career interests. The program offers a wide range of elective courses and the director is open to student proposals, making it flexible to suit your individual goals. I would encourage those who are uncertain to connect with program alumni or the director to learn more and explore the possibilities.
Julia was interviewed by first-year graduate student Mohamad Fayaz Yourish. Fayaz is also in the Global Communication program working with IPDGC on student engagement.
By Tahreem Alam, Masters in International Affairs ‘23
Saudi Arabia has taken key economic issues into its own hands, worrying its Western counterparts and prompting reactions from the Biden administration. These actions are reflected in Saudi Arabia’s oil policies, which is increasingly pursuing its own interest and often seen at an expense to the U.S.
OPEC+, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, announced that the cartel would cut oil production by around 1.2 million barrels a day, or 1 percent of global production.
The justification behind these slightly-dramatic decisions continue to indicate Saudi Arabia’s perception of themselves in the global order, which is a regional leader acting on its own sovereignty.
Last fall, Saudi Arabia, a member of OPEC+, decided to cut oil production by 2 million barrels during a time when the US pushed Saudi Arabia to produce more oil. Saudi Arabia argued that the agreement was solely an economic one for the sake of recovering from COVID-era losses and stabilizing the economy in the face of an impending global recession; however, the US argued this move was political in nature and not purely for economic self- interest.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy referred to key system narratives to take its position: most importanyl, (1) the role of OPEC+ in the global market; (2) international economic pressures; and (3) Western vs. Eastern/Global South influence in combating the US narrative of this problem. System narratives are essentially ways of understanding how countries interact with one another.
Additionally, several issues were used to help prop this argument, including the Ukraine- Russia conflict, the impact of COVID-19 on the global economy and oil prices in the past two years, and domestic economic issues Saudi Arabia faces following recent years of low oil prices.
This chart provides an example of how Saudi Arabia might see itself in this political chess game for a superpower role:
Battle of the Narratives – Saudi Arabia and OPEC +
Master & Identity Narratives
System Narratives
Issue Narratives
Normal country pursuing self-interest
Hegemonic power
Responsibility to care for citizens
Leader in Arabian Gulf
State not playing in the hands of others
Rearrangement of power dynamics
System functions on OPEC rules and decisions
Battle for control of the global economy (superpower western state vs. Global South)
Ukraine-Russia War
Oil deal is an economic issue unrelated to political goals in the U.S.
Need for making up lost revenue from COVID-19 oil prices
High oil prices will stabilize Saudi economy and inflation
Economic issues from global pandemic foundation of oil prices
Purely economic decision in the face of a global recession rise
The Role of the US
In spite of Saudi Arabia’s recent moves, the West still holds far greater influence over the region from a social and economic standpoint (China, another global power in the region, has made in not making the US an enemy). However, this doesn’t mean that the US shouldn’t acknowledge the rapidly-changing power dynamics in regional state conflicts.
It’s difficult to offer plausible diplomatic advice to this matter, especially since Saudi Arabia is ignoring the global status quo and US-Western opinion for oil production. Ignoring these developments could lead to long-term side effects of a decreased position of power in the global arena, which the US might just have to accept anyway as the world moves away from a Western-centric hegemonic system.
Time will tell if this is a blip in the drawn-out shift to a multipolar world, or if Saudi Arabia has succeeded in placing itself as a contender for a future superpower status.
The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author. They do not express the views of the Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication or the George Washington University.
By Dominique A. Piñeiro, MA Media and Strategic Communication ’23
An A.I.- generated photograph capturing the surreal and symbolic concept of the “TriNet,” representing a narrative contest among the U.S., the European Union (E.U.), and China. Each international player seeks to promote its approach to Internet governance and digital policies on the world stage. The image portrays three distinct data streams flowing through an ethereal cyberspace landscape filled with vibrant neon colors and intricate geometric patterns. (Dominique A. Piñeiro via MidJourney)
The Internet is evolving into a “TriNet” model, with three distinct approaches: China’s strict government control, the E.U.’s focus on data protection and privacy, and the U.S.’s market-driven approach emphasizing profit and competition. This shift alters the Internet’s original principles of openness and accessibility, raising concerns for human rights, democracy, and the free flow of information.
The “TriNet” model represents a narrative contest among the U.S., the European Union (E.U.), and China. Each player seeks to promote its approach to Internet governance and digital policies on the world stage. This narrative contest involves asserting the superiority of their respective models, with the opportunity to shape international norms and influence other countries’ adoption of similar frameworks.
The U.S. promotes a free and open web, believing global Internet access would spread rights, freedom, and democracy. However, the U.S. model is primarily driven by private businesses, leading to the rise of tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft. These companies accumulate profits and power without sufficient regulations to protect users, potentially undermining American democracy and other countries.
A striking example is Meta’s (formerly Facebook) role in the 2017 Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, where its platform was used to incite violence and discrimination. Although not intentionally designed for this purpose, Meta’s focus on engagement and data collection contributed to spreading harmful content. In the Myanmar example, the U.S. effectiveness in influencing global Internet policies might be hindered by the issues arising from the largely unregulated tech industry and increasing calls for data privacy and antitrust regulations, which the E.U. is happy to lead.
The E.U.’s alternative also seeks to spread rights, freedom, and democracy. Still, it emphasizes data privacy, with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) harmonizing data privacy laws across member states and offering individuals greater control over personal data. While not explicitly addressing human rights, GDPR provisions can prevent the misuse of data that leads to situations like Myanmar’s crisis. The GDPR sets a worldwide data privacy standard, contrasting with the U.S.’s fragmented approach, which includes sector-specific regulations like HIPAA and COPPA.
While the E.U. model and GDPR significantly improve data protection and privacy, there are also potential disadvantages. A specific example would be how GDPR imposes compliance requirements on businesses, which can be interpreted differently by E.U. member states, and is an expensive process, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
China’s approach contrasts sharply with the U.S. and E.U. In a 2000 speech, President Bill Clinton questioned China’s ability to control the Internet effectively:
“Now, there’s no question China has been trying to crack down on the Internet – good luck. That’s sort of like trying to nail jello to the wall. But I would argue that their effort to do that proves how real these advances are and how much they threaten the established order of things, especially the government’s tight information control.”
His remarks were meant to convey that the Internet’s decentralized nature makes it difficult for governments to control or censor information effectively. Ironically, his statement foreshadowed what was possible. The Great Firewall of China, or Golden Shield Project, demonstrates a sophisticated censorship and control system. China emphasizes sovereignty and states’ rights in information and communication, enacting policies to realize its vision.
China exports its internet censorship and surveillance technology to other countries, promoting its regulated Internet model worldwide. Since the 2021 coup d’état, Myanmar has been increasingly cutting off its population from the Internet, causing concern that the regime could become a model for other authoritarian governments if not economically crippled.
China’s strict government-controlled Internet model could be framed as a solution to promoting a harmonious society. The government would control information dissemination significantly, limiting public knowledge of ongoing events and potentially suppressing information. This type of control could appeal to illiberal democracies and autocrats alike. It’s also important to note that a highly controlled internet can monitor and target specific ethnic or religious groups by a government to identify, suppress, or persecute vulnerable populations, potentially leading to or worsening a genocide.
The U.S. and E.U. value free speech and human rights and view China’s controlled and regulated Internet model negatively. However, China’s economic and technological prowess could attract some nations seeking to emulate its success or strengthen political control over their populations. China’s influence may grow in authoritarian countries or those seeking alternative models to Western Internet governance.
The evolving “TriNet” model’s distinct approaches—China’s stringent control, the E.U.’s emphasis on data protection and privacy, and the U.S.’s profit-driven strategy—raise concerns over human rights, democracy, and information flow. The Rohingya crisis in Myanmar exemplifies how American tech giants’ practices and China’s internet control technology can have devastating consequences for vulnerable populations. While the U.S. approach to the Internet has flaws, it’s vital to contemplate the ramifications of a world where China sets the standards for digital governance. A free and open internet enables individuals to express their opinions, share ideas, and access diverse perspectives without fear of censorship or persecution.
The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author. They do not express the views of the Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication or the George Washington University.
In addition, the opinions and characterizations in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the U.S. Government.
