Scholar–practitioner, author, educator, and former ambassador
Here’s the English translation:
I notice that everyday life in America is becoming increasingly technological, or more precisely, increasingly connected with various IT technologies. Perhaps this doesn’t apply to everyone, but in the last couple of weeks, I’ve had to download about 10 mobile applications – ranging from door locks to university system registration. Just wait and see what’s next!
Just published yesterday’s conversation with the brilliant Professor Dr. William Zartman on the Diplomatic Nexus channel. At 90 years old, he continues to inspire us with his attitude toward scholarship, diligence, productivity, and his endless curiosity for discovering the new around us. Let’s wish him good health, a long and fulfilling life, creative breakthroughs, successes in his work, more books and articles, and engaging questions and answers!
Think differently. Think unexpectedly. Think strategically.
Act confidently. Act respectfully. Act constructively.
In America, I have repeatedly noticed how the word “professional” is perceived. First, it is used very broadly, encompassing an entire class of occupations such as doctors, lawyers, business consultants, teachers, professors, and other white-collar workers. Of course, you might hear phrases like “professional boxer” or “professional dancer,” but in most cases, the term “professional” refers to people engaged in intellectual activities and working within certain standards.
Second, professionalism is closely linked to specific behavior and appearance. To “look and act professionally” means dressing neatly, conservatively, and formally, as well as demonstrating politeness, attentiveness, and proper speech while avoiding slang or informal expressions. Writing professionally is also an important aspect, particularly in emails, where clarity, proper formatting, and polite, concise language are expected norms.
Third, telling someone that they look or act professionally is indeed high praise. Such a remark pertains not only to appearance but also to the overall impression a person makes: neatness, reliability, respect for others, and adherence to expectations—all these are associated with professionalism in American culture.
This approach to professionalism stands out when compared to other cultures, where the emphasis might be more on experience or expertise rather than appearance or behavioral aspects. In the U.S., professionalism is not only about skills but also about the ability to meet high standards of self-presentation.
I am happy to be this Spring semester at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University, New Jersey, as a Visiting Scholar/Professor of Practice. Great university, wonderful school – one of the best in the world.
In the photo: First day in my new office.
When people talk about diplomacy, I always want to ask: what #diplomacy are you talking about? For me, diplomacy is not limited to #interstate diplomacy. There are many other types of diplomacy, including between entities such as individuals, organizations, families, groups, etc.
New video on my “Diplomatic Nexus” YouTube channel: A conversation with a young but already known scholar in the field of international relations and diplomacy Seanon Wong. Dr. Wong is an Associate Professor and the Head of the Undergraduate Program in Government and Public Administration, and the Director of the International Affairs Research Centre, the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is also an Executive Editor of the International Relations of the Asia-Pacific journal, Area Editor of the Oxford Bibliographies (International Relations), and a Member of the International Editorial Board of The Hague Journal of Diplomacy.
In the conversation, Professor Wong and I discussed the features of modern diplomacy and diplomatic studies, the role of individuals, body language, intentions and intercultural differences in diplomacy, relations between IR and diplomatic studies, as well as other issues related to understanding diplomatic theory and practice.
While I lived, life around me lived its own, completely unpredictable life.
I was born in one country and woke up in another – without even getting out of bed! The state collapsed faster than my plans to buy a new refrigerator. So, I outlived the country I was born in, though it was much more expansive than I was.
And then, from an invisible corner, the Internet leaped out. I remember when letters used to walk through the mail – now they fly at the speed of light through wires! In the past, only fish swam in nets, but now we all swim there (and keep diving deeper). Social networks appeared – and it turned out I had more friends than I thought, and it is even harder to count enemies!
Then artificial intelligence came along – now even computers pretend to be smarter than me. Though I suspect they’re not pretending at all. That’s evolution for you: from “Do you have anything to eat?” to “Do you have anything to comment on?”
And what about tomorrow? Even the day after tomorrow doesn’t know that.
A great deal has been written about time management. It’s a crucial topic for people in various professions — from executives and entrepreneurs to students and homemakers. There are countless methods for managing time: creating to-do lists, maintaining calendars, delegating tasks, setting short-, medium-, and long-term goals, and overcoming procrastination. Yet, in the flood of advice and techniques, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
In my opinion, time management is not as complex as it seems. Its essence boils down to one thing: understanding and adhering to your priorities. When you clearly know what truly matters to you and have a solid understanding of your key life goals and tasks, the entire system of time management becomes clear, logical, and straightforward.
For instance, imagine a manager juggling multiple projects, attending strategic meetings, and being responsible for team development. If they recognize that their top priority at the moment is completing a major project that determines the company’s future, they can redirect their efforts and time to that specific task. They may need to temporarily delegate other responsibilities to colleagues or opt out of less critical meetings. A clear understanding of priorities allows the manager not only to manage their time effectively but also to maintain focus on the most important tasks.
Defining priorities may not be an easy task, but it is the cornerstone of effective time management. Once priorities are clear, the system of time management begins to work effortlessly.
Alisher Faizullaev 