Diplomacy in the Digital Age
- By Brian Hocking and Jan Melissen
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E-mail China.org.cn, October 26, 2015
As can be seen in the comments of two ambassadors cited in Box 3.1, the possibilities of extended dialogues with global communities can add to the diplomatic toolbox. But Ambassador Bekink makes the point that using digital tools effectively demands a strategy that relates a specific communications modality to clear objectives. Ambassador Volker in similar vein cautions against regarding the use of new technologies as simply 'tweeting feel-good photos'. The potential impact of digital forms of communication when attuned to clear objectives is highlighted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Here, a spokesperson for the organization argues that social media has radically changed the character of its campaigns: “when a crisis or disaster happens, people want to do something. It's hard to give them an outlet to do anything, especially in a war zone, but social media gives people the opportunity to participate in fundraising or awareness”. But the dangers of unreflective usage of social media have been identified by some diplomats in the UN where Security Council proceedings have been described as generating 'digital wars' and 'hashtag battles'.
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