Digital Diplomacy[1] is a modern practice that involves using the internet[5] and various digital platforms to tackle foreign policy issues. This approach is employed by a wide range of entities, including state agencies, embassies, diplomats, and even non-state actors. It has gained significant traction, with almost all United Nations member states having a diplomatic presence on social media[3] platforms like Twitter[6]. Digital diplomacy also plays a pivotal role in influencing public opinion on foreign policy agendas and facilitating co-creation[4] on diplomatic campaigns. However, this practice isn’t without its challenges as it can sometimes lead to diplomatic crises or spread disinformation[2]. Key figures in this field include Jovan Kurbalija, Joshua Fouts, Carl Bildt, Davina Tham, and Tom Miles.
Digital diplomacy, also referred to as Digiplomacy and eDiplomacy (see below), has been defined as the use of the Internet and new information communication technologies to help achieve diplomatic objectives. However, other definitions have also been proposed. The definition focuses on the interplay between internet and diplomacy, ranging from Internet driven-changes in the environment in which diplomacy is conducted to the emergence of new topics on diplomatic agendas such as cybersecurity, privacy and more, along with the use of internet tools to practice diplomacy.
Platform-specific terms that have also evolved in this diplomacy category include Facebook diplomacy, Twitter diplomacy, and Google diplomacy.