Abstract
Digital diplomacy is reshaping conflict mediation by enabling new modalities of engagement in fragile and geopolitically complex contexts. As virtual platforms become embedded in peacebuilding architectures, regional bodies such as the African Union (AU) and East African Community (EAC) increasingly employ digital tools to manage negotiations, sustain dialogue, and coordinate interventions. This study investigated online mediation practices within the peace processes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a region marked by persistent insecurity and fragmented governance. The central argument is that virtual diplomacy in fragile contexts serves both as a strategic enabler of regional coordination and a site of vulnerability, where trust deficits and cybersecurity challenges threaten diplomatic legitimacy. The study aimed to deepen understanding of how digital tools contribute to peacebuilding and to inform policymakers on best practices for integrating virtual engagement into conflict strategies. A qualitative case study design was adopted, combining thematic analysis with a networked discourse lens to examine both the substance and circulation of digital mediation narratives. Primary data were collected via semi-structured interviews with eight key informants, including diplomats, peace mediators, civil society actors, and scholars. Supplementary data from social media platforms, principally X (formerly Twitter), provided insight into regional discourse flows. Findings indicate that while platforms like Zoom and X facilitated outreach and strategic messaging, they also exposed limitations in trust-building and cybersecurity. The study recommends hybrid engagement models, strengthened cybersecurity protocols, and inclusive digital infrastructures to enhance legitimacy and coordination across virtual peacebuilding efforts.
Keywords
Digital peacebuilding Democratic Republic of Congo virtual diplomacy online mediation conflict resolution African Union
Ethical Statement
This research was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of social science research. Ethics committee approval was not sought, as the study involved no intervention, deception, or collection of sensitive personal data. All interview participants were informed about the purpose of the research, assured of confidentiality, and provided voluntary informed consent prior to participation.
Project Number
1
References
- See the article for references.
Abstract
Digital diplomacy is reshaping conflict mediation by enabling new modalities of engagement in fragile and geopolitically complex contexts. As virtual platforms become embedded in peacebuilding architectures, regional bodies such as the African Union (AU) and East African Community (EAC) increasingly employ digital tools to manage negotiations, sustain dialogue, and coordinate interventions. This study investigated online mediation practices within the peace processes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a region marked by persistent insecurity and fragmented governance. The central argument is that virtual diplomacy in fragile contexts serves both as a strategic enabler of regional coordination and a site of vulnerability, where trust deficits and cybersecurity challenges threaten diplomatic legitimacy. The study aimed to deepen understanding of how digital tools contribute to peacebuilding and to inform policymakers on best practices for integrating virtual engagement into conflict strategies. A qualitative case study design was adopted, combining thematic analysis with a networked discourse lens to examine both the substance and circulation of digital mediation narratives. Primary data were collected via semi-structured interviews with eight key informants, including diplomats, peace mediators, civil society actors, and scholars. Supplementary data from social media platforms, principally X (formerly Twitter), provided insight into regional discourse flows. Findings indicate that while platforms like Zoom and X facilitated outreach and strategic messaging, they also exposed limitations in trust-building and cybersecurity. The study recommends hybrid engagement models, strengthened cybersecurity protocols, and inclusive digital infrastructures to enhance legitimacy and coordination across virtual peacebuilding efforts.
Keywords
Digital peacebuilding Democratic Republic of Congo virtual diplomacy online mediation conflict resolution African Union
Ethical Statement
Ethics committee approval was not sought, as the study involved no intervention, deception, or collection of sensitive personal data. All interview participants were informed about the purpose of the research, assured of confidentiality, and provided voluntary informed consent prior to participation.
Project Number
1
References
- See the article for references.
Details
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | International Relations (Other) |
| Journal Section | Research Article |
| Authors | |
| Project Number | 1 |
| Submission Date | July 17, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | December 10, 2025 |
| Publication Date | March 6, 2026 |
| IZ | https://izlik.org/JA63US44JK |
| Published in Issue | Year 2025 Volume: 30 Issue: 2 |