I am working on two new research projects, one of which studies PRC 'influence' in multilateral institutions. @columlynch in @foreignpolicy has another great piece on PRC fielding a candidate to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/11/26/china-bids-lead-world-intellectual-property-organization-wipo/ 1/

Things to consider: 1. is this a serious attempt to take the headship (PRC heads 4/15 UN specialized agencies), 2. a half-hearted "playing for concessions" move, or as I wonder, 3. a baseline learning exercise about election campaigning. PRC doesn't always succeed (e.g. UNODC) 2/

There is a difference in material interests + status between these UN specialized agencies: intellectual property is foundational for global economy, so WIPO > World Tourism Org (yes, this really exists). Also a difference in prestige between elected heads vs. appointed heads. 3/

There is also tension about these heads serve as intl civil servants, promoting dominant liberal values in the global system or if heads are their own state agents, as noted by this informant a PRC WIPO head could “be forced into taking a pro-China approach.” 4/

I'm intrigued to see how WIPO election campaign goes, and am interested to see US strategy this time round given US failure to field a concerted FAO campaign. Who else should I follow to keep up with details? @RichardGowan1 @TCarayannis @michellenichols @brucebrookings /END