Digital Diplomacy

Digital Diplomacy

A new form of public diplomacy, also called e-diplomacy, which uses the internet and new information and communication technologies as means for strengthening diplomatic relations. The main differences with the classical public diplomacy lie in a greater access to information, greater interaction among individuals and organizations, and greater transparency. The role played by social networks and digital media in the Arab Spring, pushed governments worldwide to focus on exploiting the potential of such channels in their foreign relations. The USA and UK foreign ministries have opened specific units of digital diplomacy, namely the Taskforce on eDiplomacy and the Office of Digital Diplomacy.