Bjola C., Manor I. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Digital Diplomacy

Oxford University Press, 2024. — 995 p.The Oxford Handbook of Digital Diplomacy (Oxford Handbooks) edited by Corneliu Bjola and Ilan Manor explores the shifting power dynamics in diplomacy, exploring the establishment of embassies in technology hubs, the challenges faced by foreign affairs departments in adapting to digital technologies, and the utilization of digital tools as a means of exerting influence. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, including theories from international relations, diplomacy studies, communications, sociology, internet studies, and psychology, the handbook examines the use of digital technologies for international development in the Global South, the efforts to combat digital disinformation in the Middle East, and the digital policies of countries in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Through case studies and in-depth analysis, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the term "digital diplomacy" and the many ways in which diplomacy has evolved in the digital age. In recent years, digital technologies have substantially impacted the world of diplomacy. From social media platforms and artificial intelligence to smartphone application and virtual meetings, digital technologies have proven disruptive impacting the norms, practices and logics of diplomats, states, and diplomatic institutions. Although the term digital diplomacy is commonly used by academics and diplomats, few works to date have clearly defined this term or offered a comprehensive analysis of its evolution. This handbook investigates digital diplomacy as a practice, as a process and as a form of disruption. Written by leading experts in the field, this comprehensive volume delves into the ways in which digital technologies are being used to achieve foreign policy goals, and how diplomats are adapting to the digital age.Digital diplomacy is a good example of how disruption applies to international affairs. In simple terms, digital diplomacy refers to the use of digital technologies, such as social media and other online platforms, including virtual communication channels and the metaverse, by ministries of foreign affairs (MFAs) and international organizations (IOs) to communicate with each other and the general public, conduct diplomacy, and advance their foreign policy goals. It includes activities such as sending and receiving official statements, exchanging informal diplomatic signals, participating in virtual conferences and meetings, and engaging with the public through social media and other online platforms to explain and promote their policies and positions. Digital diplomacy is thus seen by governments and IOs as a way to reach a wider audience and connect with people in different parts of the world in real-time. It also allows these organizations to be more transparent and accountable to the public, as well as to respond more quickly to events and issues that arise. Therein lies the potential of digital technologies to disrupt traditional diplomacy and international relations, primarily by influencing how diplomacy is conducted. By making it possible for MFAs and IOs to communicate and collaborate in real-time, digital diplomacy enables decision-makers to be more efficient and effective in their bilateral and multilateral relations. This may be particularly relevant in the case of international crises as direct communication between parties in conflict can help de-escalate tensions and facilitate the resolution of disputes. However, it can also create new challenges, such as the potential for the spread of misinformation and propaganda, which can further inflame tensions. Digital diplomacy may also affect the balance of power between different countries, as it allows smaller and less powerful actors to have a greater voice and influence in international affairs. Furthermore, non-state actors such as civil society organizations and NGOs can also use digital tools to advocate for their causes and to challenge the policies of larger and more powerful actors.Table of ContentsList of Figures and Tables
List of ContributorsPart I Concepts and Theories
Introduction: Understanding Digital Diplomacy—The Grammar Rules and Patterns of Digital Disruption
Corneliu Bjola and Ilan Manor
Digital Diplomacy: Projection and Retrieval of Images and Identities
Marcus Holmes
From Micro to Macro Digital Disruptions: A New Prism for Investigating Digital Diplomacy
Ilan Manor and James Pamment
Soft Power in the Digital Space
Gary D. Rawnsley
Researching Influence Operations: ‘Dark Arts’ Mercenaries and the Digital Influence Industry
Emma L. BriantPart II Diplomatic Practices
Diplomatic Negotiations in the Digital Context: Key Issues, Emerging Trends, and Procedural Changes
Kristin Anabel Eggeling and Rebecca Adler-Nissen
Digital Diplomacy and Cyber Defence
Lucas Kello
Digital Nuclear Diplomacy
Rhys Crilley
Digital Feminist Foreign Policy
Jennifer A. Cassidy
History and Digital Public Diplomacy: Media Disruption and Global Public Engagement Online in Historical Perspective
Nicholas J. Cull
Digital Cultural Diplomacy: From Content Providers to Opinion Makers
Natalia Grincheva
Digital Propaganda and Diplomacy
Paweł Surowiec-Capell
Ethical Challenges in the Digitalization of Public Diplomacy
Zhao Alexandre Huang and Phillip Arceneaux
Transforming International Development: Navigating the Shift towards Digital Cooperation
Luciana Alexandra Ghica
New Trends in Digital Diplomacy: The Rise of TikTok and the Geopolitics of Algorithmic Governance
Alicia Fjällhed, Matthias Lüfkens, and Andreas SandrePart III Diplomatic Institutions
The Digital Hybridization of Ministries of Foreign Affairs: The Case of the Nordic and Baltic States
Corneliu Bjola and Didzis Kļaviņš
Digital Diplomatic Cultures
Geoffrey Wiseman
The Digitalization of Permanent Missions to International Organizations
Caroline Bouchard
The Digital Adaptation of International Bureaucracies
Matthias Ecker-Ehrhardt
Virtual Diplomatic Summitry
Elsa Hedling
Digital Diplomacy and Non-Governmental and Transnational Organizations
Fiona McConnell and Alex Manby
Digitalization of Diplomacy: Implications for Cities
Efe Sevin
Digital Diplomatic Representation: The Rise of Tech Ambassadors
Anne Marie Engtoft Meldgaard and Tom Fletcher
International Law, Big Tech Regulation, and Digital Diplomatic Practice
Victoria BainesPart IV Diplomatic Relations
The European Union and Digital Diplomacy: Projecting Global Europe in the Social Media Era
Ruben Zaiotti
NATO’s Digital Diplomacy
Katharine A. M. Wright
Digital Diplomacy of the Central Asian Countries
Alisher Faizullaev
Chinese Wolf-Warrior Diplomacy: Motivations, Modalities, and Sites of Practice
Andrew F. Cooper and Jeff Hai-chi Loo
Diversities and Developments in Asia Pacific Digital Diplomacy
Damien Spry
Digital Diplomacy in Latin America: Among Early Adopters and Latecomers
Daniel Aguirre and Alejandro Ramos
Diplomacy in Times of Crisis in the GCC: The Blockade and the Pandemic
Banu Akdenizli
The North–South Divide, the Digital Agenda, and Digital Diplomacy
Jorge Heine and Juan Pablo Prado Lallande
International Geopolitics and Digital Games in the Nationalist Agenda of Great Powers
Antonio César Moreno Cantano
Digital Diplomacy during Wars and Conflicts
Moran YarchiIndex