E-Diplomacy

E-diplomacy walks the line between continuity and change in our digital era.

Diplomatic activities are increasingly supported by Internet and digital tools, and other information and communications technologies (ICTs). Diplomats rely on the Internet to find information, communicate with colleagues via e-mail, and negotiate draft texts in electronic format; diplomats are also increasingly using new social networking platforms such as blogs and Facebook. This course focuses on the opportunities and challenges Internet tools offer for diplomatic activities. It also examines the policy implications inherent in these processes.

Questions discussed include: How do we address the (mis)use of social media not only in public diplomacy, but in all diplomatic outreach and networking? How can we optimise the use of information, including confirming veracity and sources? Who is responsible for our cybersecurity? Can we really negotiate online? Can we find a balance between transparency and security? What are the best ways to implement online engagement to realise its advantages for inclusion and economy without losing the advantages of face-to-face meetings?

By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• List, describe, and analyse the current and potential use of Internet tools for diplomatic activities.
• Identify security risks in the use of online tools for diplomatic activities and describe practices to improve security.
• Identify appropriate situations for online negotiations and e-participation; plan, and run such activities.
• Suggest guidelines for appropriate use of social media and other online tools in diplomatic activities, especially in public diplomacy outreach, and organise effective diplomatic campaigns using such tools.
• Identify and analyse the basic elements of data use in diplomacy.
• Locate relevant information on the Internet, evaluate the validity of that information, and describe appropriate contexts for using the information in diplomatic activities.
• Gain practical experience using online tools. 

Course outline

1. Introduction to e-diplomacy: The Internet has revolutionised two core aspects of diplomacy: information and communication. Social media, blogs, Google, Wikipedia and numerous databases offer simple and powerful access to information. Communication patterns have changed deeply through e-mail, Skype, Facebook, Twitter and other tools. How has diplomacy adjusted to these deep changes? Has the Internet brought a revolution, or is this simply another stage in the evolution of diplomacy?
2. New topics and tools for diplomatic activities: This module presents practical considerations for social networks, blogs, and other tools. What are the new topics, tools and environment? We are witnessing an evolution in Internet resources, especially for professional applications. We look at trends in social media tools and provide an initial mapping with the main diplomatic functions.
3. Cybersecurity and online safety: Any Internet user is exposed to risks from viruses, hacking, identity theft, and other threats. Diplomats are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks. However, higher security often involves trade-offs in functionality or reduced access to Internet services. Many diplomatic services limit access to the Internet, blocking some services such as Facebook and Twitter. In this module, we discuss Internet risks and propose ways that diplomatic services can ensure safe and reliable communication without substantially reducing Internet functionality.
4. Digital tools in negotiation: In any conference room today, most delegates have an open notebook computer, tablet, or smart-phone in front of them. These mobile devices and the ubiquitous Internet have changed the dynamics of conference events. Discussions take place in the online space in parallel to the official floor statements. Increasingly, some texts can be drafted online. E-participation in events is becoming easier through video streams, text capturing, and group meeting tools. What is the future of traditional meetings? What must be done face-to-face and what can be done online? What are the advantages and disadvantages of e-participation?
5. The Internet and public diplomacy I – Overview: This module takes a closer look at how the Internet can enhance public diplomacy functions, from well-designed websites to the use of appropriate social media platforms. Targeted use of such tools can shape public perception and opinion worldwide. Many people follow influential blogs, Twitter, and YouTube for current information, comments, and views. However, the danger of information overload and the difficulty to find, filter, and analyse accurate and useful information adds new levels to the need for information management skills.
6. The Internet and public diplomacy II – Social media: This second module on public diplomacy focuses on the way social media can be deployed in public diplomacy strategies, and provides examples of effective use of social media and communication in public diplomacy.
7. Data diplomacy: This module gives an overview of data diplomacy and its importance. It focusses on the use of digital tools while reviewing the opportunities and challenges related to the use of big data in diplomatic activities.
8. Working with information: Information gathering and analysis has been one of the core diplomatic functions since the early days of diplomacy. In the past, gathering information was a complex task; today, vast amounts of information can be found through Wikipedia, social media and other online sources. However, the Internet poses new challenges in navigating through information and identifying reliable sources. To what extent can diplomatic services rely on information obtained online? How can diplomats evaluate, contextualise, and effectively use this information?