Harvard Kennedy MPP 2020

[Stonecold07]

12 hours ago, mc/mpa_hopeful said:

I don't think this will help your application ?
All kidding aside, I definitely agree. For some weird reason being home in a Corona-quarantine has calmed my nerves and far less anxious about this process than I was least week. Maybe there is a silver lining to the outbreak - at least it gives some perspective on what things in life are worth stressing about.
I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy, and following all official guidances!

Hahaha. I sooo wish it did  

You know, in my experience so far, we fail to appreciate what is good in the World. And keep nagging about what is wrong. Even a small disease outbreak can throw the entire world around in a few days. It is crazy how disintegrated we are, with governments commenting on each other’s efficiency. So, a little ‘anonymous’ positive gesture can go a long way. ?

[justaname]

11 minutes ago, Stonecold07 said:

Hahaha. I sooo wish it did  

You know, in my experience so far, we fail to appreciate what is good in the World. And keep nagging about what is wrong. Even a small disease outbreak can throw the entire world around in a few days. It is crazy how disintegrated we are, with governments commenting on each other’s efficiency. So, a little ‘anonymous’ positive gesture can go a long way. ?

I agree we need more positive energy at this time of great uncertainty, something that could bring the already disintegrated people to solidarity, but i wouldn't call a global pandemic that is still rapidly developing a "small disease outbreak". acknowledging the severity of the current situation is as important as staying positive.

[Stonecold07]

3 hours ago, justaname said:

I agree we need more positive energy at this time of great uncertainty, something that could bring the already disintegrated people to solidarity, but i wouldn't call a global pandemic that is still rapidly developing a "small disease outbreak". acknowledging the severity of the current situation is as important as staying positive.

Agreed ??

[KIMAMS]

Still no change to your application portal or MYFAID folks ? In previous years, both usually changed maybe 1-2 days or so before they released the results. 

[indianIRguy]

Exactly...but I thought it happens for only a few of the applicants. Do you think they would update us on the blog just a day before the results (if they were to come today)? But I also think that they waited to set their machines up at home because once the decisions are released, they would not like to fumble with our queries and next steps...so it may also happen today now that they officially established home offices for smooth work...

[mc/mpa_hopeful]

5 hours ago, Stonecold07 said:

Hahaha. I sooo wish it did  

You know, in my experience so far, we fail to appreciate what is good in the World. And keep nagging about what is wrong. Even a small disease outbreak can throw the entire world around in a few days. It is crazy how disintegrated we are, with governments commenting on each other’s efficiency. So, a little ‘anonymous’ positive gesture can go a long way. ?

I couldn't agree more. I'm from and currently live in Finland. As someone who not only believes in the idea of the European union and the benefits of international cooperation, but has worked in government both on the national and European level, it brakes my heart to see how this crisis has shown that our contintent is indeed still very much disintegrated. All countries have taken a me first-approach. The most tragic example is in Italy, where China has swept in and provided more assistance than fellow EU countries. Especially coming from a small country with a long border with Russia and a history of conflicts, I am getting worried. The EU was supposed to reflect the fact that we are stronger together, but looking at our responses to the outbreak, I'm afraid it is just one more sign of a slide towards more inwards-looking, protectionistic politics and policies which can be extremely detrimental, especially for smaller countries.

Sorry to everybody for going a little bit off topic

Edited March 18, 2020 by mc/mpa_hopeful

[spnfiim]

40 minutes ago, mc/mpa_hopeful said:

I couldn't agree more. I'm from and currently live in Finland. As someone who not only believes in the idea of the European union and the benefits of international cooperation, but has worked in government both on the national and European level, it brakes my heart to see how this crisis has shown that our contintent is indeed still very much disintegrated. All countries have taken a me first-approach. The most tragic example is in Italy, where China has swept in and provided more assistance than EU countrie. Especially coming from a small country with a long border with Russia and a history of conflict, I am getting worried. The EU was supposed to reflect the fact that we are stronger together, but looking at our responses to the outbreak, I'm afraid it is just one more sign of a slide towards more inwards-looking, protectionistic politics and policies which can be extremely detrimental, especially for smaller countries.

Sorry to everybody for going a little bit off topic

It's not off-topic and so don't be sorry!! Let's face it- at this stage of our lives and career, if we have applied to HKS (and other equally reputed schools) for a course in public policy then it definitely shows our empathy and sensitivity to our societal superstructure. The prevalent rigid issues of our respective countries/communities/societies have motivated us to look for out-of-box and unconventional solutions and that in turn has encouraged us to apply for best institutes with world-class peer group and faculty. For someone, the poor quality of education in the society could be a concern while for others it could be gender discrimination, inequality, poverty, corruption and/or violence. All of us here are looking for solutions and for ways to collaborate with each other to solve the larger issues of society. I firmly believe that in addition to the brand value of HKS, we all acknowledge that the possibility of getting our solutions at HKS is much higher and so we are eager and anxious to get enrolled there. Therefore, occasionally, if not all the time, we should also discuss contemporary issues like CORONA because it impacts us in many ways than we can think of- including our chances of admit (as one of our fellow members pointed out that HKS might be re-assessing rate of acceptance/deferment by candidates) and to be on-campus this fall, if selected. 

 

Edited March 18, 2020 by spnfiim

[Stonecold07]

1 hour ago, mc/mpa_hopeful said:

I couldn't agree more. I'm from and currently live in Finland. As someone who not only believes in the idea of the European union and the benefits of international cooperation, but has worked in government both on the national and European level, it brakes my heart to see how this crisis has shown that our contintent is indeed still very much disintegrated. All countries have taken a me first-approach. The most tragic example is in Italy, where China has swept in and provided more assistance than fellow EU countries. Especially coming from a small country with a long border with Russia and a history of conflicts, I am getting worried. The EU was supposed to reflect the fact that we are stronger together, but looking at our responses to the outbreak, I'm afraid it is just one more sign of a slide towards more inwards-looking, protectionistic politics and policies which can be extremely detrimental, especially for smaller countries.

Sorry to everybody for going a little bit off topic

Thanks for sharing your views. Completely Agree with them

I think a close look at the effort countries are putting in to combat this public health issue/pandemic, will give us a lot more insights in how these Governments operate in time of crisis. Not only that, it shall give us a true picture of what the World looks right now, whether they all still believe in cooperation, or whether they would like to stick to protectionist measures just to safeguard their own nations. In many ways, it would be great to see the events unfolding in way that makes everyone realise the importance of international collaboration, giving way to a better, freer and more cooperative future. 
 

 

[indianIRguy]

I noticed a tiny development. Countries with socialist tendencies responded with much ease than others...India, say, asked most businesses to shut as if it's a child's play. Now I suppose the economic fallout may be addressed later, but for now, it doesn't appear that economic considerations are super important for the state.

But the US for example is stuttering in the face of the onslaught. It already announced a stimulus package for economy...is it that it is a big economy so it has to consider it first or is it that the business influences a state more so in a capitalist economy? But the social democracy model in Europe, which came under attack from all fronts, most likely took a fresh breath and unlikely to die in the near future...the essence of Macron's war declaration address reeks of that state largess. Good times.

[indianIRguy]

2-2.5 hours to go...

[HooLeeSheet]

2 hours ago, mc/mpa_hopeful said:

I couldn't agree more. I'm from and currently live in Finland. As someone who not only believes in the idea of the European union and the benefits of international cooperation, but has worked in government both on the national and European level, it brakes my heart to see how this crisis has shown that our contintent is indeed still very much disintegrated. All countries have taken a me first-approach. The most tragic example is in Italy, where China has swept in and provided more assistance than fellow EU countries. Especially coming from a small country with a long border with Russia and a history of conflicts, I am getting worried. The EU was supposed to reflect the fact that we are stronger together, but looking at our responses to the outbreak, I'm afraid it is just one more sign of a slide towards more inwards-looking, protectionistic politics and policies which can be extremely detrimental, especially for smaller countries.

Sorry to everybody for going a little bit off topic

Hi. Thanks so much for hearing your views, really interesting to read. I am curious what alternative measures you would propose, that are more in line with ideals of the EU? There is no doubt that the porosity of European borders is what contributed to the spread of the virus across the continent. Although I agree that there has been a slide toward inward-looking politics, I am very interested to know, based on your experience, what "stronger together" choices might look like in this situation? As much as it is a terrible reality for smaller nations (coming from one myself), surely a country has a responsibility to its citizens first? If there are 10 ventilators in France, and 100 French people need a ventilator, is the French government realistically able to justify to its people giving 5 ventilators (or even 1) to Italy?

[indianIRguy]

Just now, HooLeeSheet said:

Hi. Thanks so much for hearing your views, really interesting to read. I am curious what alternative measures you would propose, that are more in line with ideals of the EU? There is no doubt that the porosity of European borders is what contributed to the spread of the virus across the continent. Although I agree that there has been a slide toward inward-looking politics, I am very interested to know, based on your experience, what "stronger together" choices might look like in this situation? As much as it is a terrible reality for smaller nations (coming from one myself), surely a country has a responsibility to its citizens first? If there are 10 ventilators in France, and 100 French people need a ventilator, is the French government realistically able to justify to its people giving 5 ventilators (or even 1) to Italy?

My very humble and meagerly informed opinion: Just like much else in EU, it's a group of countries with disparate capacities. Opening your country to others with different view/power to tackle the disease, with little control over their decision-making or policy, is not the most sovereign thing to do...(maybe I'm a realist, I don't know)

I guess helping others for real is good...but oftentimes, mere display of concern for other nations makes a deep impact...the big ones like DE & FR, rather than addressing just the domestic audience, should also speak of others, of course a ventilator or two helps... but then as Italy and Slovakia (?) experienced, if EU falters, someone else is more than pleased to fill the vacuum, and it's not great optics to have China in EU's lawns...

[justaname]

5 minutes ago, indianIRguy said:

My very humble and meagerly informed opinion: Just like much else in EU, it's a group of countries with disparate capacities. Opening your country to others with different view/power to tackle the disease, with little control over their decision-making or policy, is not the most sovereign thing to do...(maybe I'm a realist, I don't know)

I guess helping others for real is good...but oftentimes, mere display of concern for other nations makes a deep impact...the big ones like DE & FR, rather than addressing just the domestic audience, should also speak of others, of course a ventilator or two helps... but then as Italy and Slovakia (?) experienced, if EU falters, someone else is more than pleased to fill the vacuum, and it's not great optics to have China in EU's lawns...

I found your last point rather interesting. Given current circumstances - e.g. italy in dire need of extra hands and support from experienced professionals who have clinical knowledge - why would "having China in EU's lawns" be "not great optics"? If we pull this out of context and plug it into other issues, say, 5G infrastructure, then yes i could understand there might be security, political, and other concerns. But in today's context, a global pandemic where italy is among the most suffered, in what sense is chinese assistance not desirable?  

[indianIRguy]

No, I didn't have any value judgement on the nature of Chinese help. What I intended to express was that if EU wouldn't/couldn't help, someone else is both willing and capable to do so. But as I understand it, foreign policy watersheds were always crises. In China's view, it is doing its best to rise up to the occasion, and I read somewhere that an Eastern European President called Prez Xi as his/his nation's brother.

Of course, those nations will need all the help regardless of origin. But once the dust settles, we emerge into a different world where China would have built lasting relationships with countries that shuddered at the idea previously. And China or for that matter any nation would like to be utilitarian and would try to leverage these favors with something more serious on a sober day... today if you ask me should any of those concerns inform the decision to accept help from others, I would say no. Not that we can help, either...

At the absolute very least, China would like a little burnishing of its image in the popular opinion of these countries...

Edited March 18, 2020 by indianIRguy

[indianIRguy]

Hey I know the easiest thing to do is storytelling about the goings on between nations. Please take my words with a bag of salt as I'm an armchair IR newbie at best!

[spnfiim]

Its 7:40 AM Cambridge time right now!! Keep your discussions on guys, we need to wait for next hour or so to know if there is going to be another blog-post or not.. 

[indianIRguy]

hey @spnfiim, d'you think we have hope today?

[spnfiim]

Can't say. I am more like 'Thursday' guy ?

But I agree with you that whatever had to be done by HKS has already been done and there is no point in keep applicants waiting for results anymore, unless of course, some administrative work is still left!! 

[mc/mpa_hopeful]

1 hour ago, HooLeeSheet said:

Hi. Thanks so much for hearing your views, really interesting to read. I am curious what alternative measures you would propose, that are more in line with ideals of the EU? There is no doubt that the porosity of European borders is what contributed to the spread of the virus across the continent. Although I agree that there has been a slide toward inward-looking politics, I am very interested to know, based on your experience, what "stronger together" choices might look like in this situation? As much as it is a terrible reality for smaller nations (coming from one myself), surely a country has a responsibility to its citizens first? If there are 10 ventilators in France, and 100 French people need a ventilator, is the French government realistically able to justify to its people giving 5 ventilators (or even 1) to Italy?

I'm very happy to see the active discussion my random thoughts lead to.

Thanks a lot for your comment, HooLeeSheet (love your username, by the way). In my brief post, I probably expressed myself somewhat unclearly. I am very much a realist and believe in the power of incentives both on a individual and geopolitical level. As the situation stands right now, there are no incentives for EU member states to directly help each other in this crisis. So I guess the way I would answer your question: "stronger together" choices would have to be built in to the structure of incentives of the EU and right now, there probably are not many such that could be made. Although, I would have hoped for more decisive leadership on behalf of both the Commission and the Council presidents in coordinating the response, sharing information and best practices, and ensuring unity in response measures between member states. Without having any expertise in public health or epidemology, I would venture a guess that everyone would benefit from a more effective coordination of response measures.

My comment related more to the big picture: the EU has struggled with a legitimacy problem where national politicians love blaming Brussels for whatever internal political issues they might face ("it's Brussels' fault"), without at all acknowledging the fact that the EU is indeed a union of nation states. This has lead to anti-EU sentiment slowly growing over the last ~10-15 years. In this context, it is disheartening that currently the EU is completely missing in this crisis and the way it is managed. For regular citizens this is again another example of the "EU not working for them", which I think is complete bs but still an "image" problem for the EU.

EU actually has a pretty good track record of managing crises and they have usually served as opportunities to strengthen integration. Think about the euro crises as an example. As an avid EU idealist and federalist, I would have hoped that the EU institutions would not have let this crisis become a completely nationally managed one.

[mc/mpa_hopeful]

1 hour ago, justaname said:

I found your last point rather interesting. Given current circumstances - e.g. italy in dire need of extra hands and support from experienced professionals who have clinical knowledge - why would "having China in EU's lawns" be "not great optics"? If we pull this out of context and plug it into other issues, say, 5G infrastructure, then yes i could understand there might be security, political, and other concerns. But in today's context, a global pandemic where italy is among the most suffered, in what sense is chinese assistance not desirable?  

My point about China stepping in and helping has more to do about the larger, geopolitical realignment underway right now. As a result of both the long-term rise of China as a global player, and the more recent development of the US taking a much smaller global role with Trump in charge, a discussion of the EU's so called strategic autonomy has become much more active. Sorry for the over-simplification but we used to live in a bipolar world during the Cold War, then moved over to a time of Western hegemony based on both economic and (especially US) military power. Now we live in a fundamental realignment and many leaders have called for a more unified EU for the purpose of having a larger geopolitical role, which incidentally, I personally happen to believe is very much necessary if we want to continue promoting fundamentally liberal values such as human rights, rule of law, democracy, climate action etc. Issues I don't see the US or China leading on now or in the near future. So a united, strong EU is a good thing not only for EU citizens, but the entire world. (Call me naive, if you want )

China has already flexed its muscles on the global stage in many ways, mostly through soft power economic means, perhaps most notable of which is the Belt & Road Initiative. Now while I of course think the most important thing right now is to help people in need and it doesn't really matter who does the helping, europeans should not be naive about the motives of the help. I don't think the chinese state is helping Italy because they care, but for the same reason Russia is sowing disaccord in the US and Europe: authoritarians seem to play a zero-sum geopolitical game and it that game, a weak West (EU + US) equals a stronger China. That is why Putin is funding right-wing populist, anti-EU parties around Europe, messing with the integrity of elections in the US, and generally trying to create an atmosphere of distrust both inside and between western nations.

And frankly, the optics are not good: China is helping while fellow EU member states are closing its borders. Not a good signal to italians, but neither so to other countries which can see this a precedent: can they trust the EU/other member states to help them in a time of need?

Edited March 18, 2020 by mc/mpa_hopeful

[indianIRguy]

Alright folks! See you tomorrow...let me get some pills for nervous breakdown!

[amr2020]

Just now, indianIRguy said:

Alright folks! See you tomorrow...let me get some pills for nervous breakdown!

really appreciate him saying it's not coming out today first thing in the morning. Hope it's this week!

[WorldChanger]

Think it'll be tomorrow or Friday. I really hope it doesn't cascade to next week!! ?

[Floridian2020]

On 3/16/2020 at 8:17 AM, rec1use said:

I am much less "seriously staying put" than "seriously considering waiting to pursue my MPP because I have more financially beneficial engineering master's offers since my current job is reliant on the wellbeing of the economy that just crashed because of coronavirus"  

This must be exhausting for the admissions committee. Again, my guess is COVID-19 forced HKS to disregard their initial yield models. Knowing yield rates are likely to plummet, they've likely had to review applications again to expand the waitlist and possibly even admit a few more students in each program. And they've had to do a lot of it from home.

[limeorange]

Confirmed: Not today!

https://hksadmissionblog.tumblr.com/post/612931272222867456/2020-application-reading-and-decision-process

Edited March 18, 2020 by kime