Digital diplomacy-perspectives and impact on traditional diplomatic practices-case study: Digitization Impact on Romanian and Belgian national diplomatic systems

Yıl 2015, , 318 - 328, 01.04.2015

Mihai Cercel Raluca Saftescu

https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.106416

Öz

Internet emergence multiplied the number of voices involved in international policy-making, accelerated the spread of information and increased its sources, and offered a framework from real-time communication, so diplomats have to handle with a complex international agenda. To stay competitive, they have to assimilate digital tools in their daily practice, digital diplomacy defining changes in structures, resources requirements, organizational management and processes of MFAs. This is a central point of this paper that is focused on the impact of digital disruption on traditional diplomatic practices. Based on digital diplomacy perspectives the article argues that, even if traditional diplomatic customs remain at the heart of diplomatic activities, internet introduces a new dynamism in conducting diplomacy. A key change refers to embassies empowerment, their role inside diplomatic systems increasing while the centrality of MFA is challenged by the changing operating environment. The article emphasizes that some activities conducted today in headquarters will be assigned more and more to the embassies, ICT using optimizing the resources and the structure of the diplomatic network. The case study regarding digitization impact on Belgian and Romanian MFAs, showed that ICT transformed the manner of sharing information and of attracting foreign audiences having huge penetration potential, data being transmitted quickly to millions targeted people. In this context, diplomats’ professionalization is an obvious and welcomed approach, each MFA having particular methods to develop digital competences. Therefore, the integration of digital tools in the diplomatic work and their optimal use represent the prerequisites for efficiency in the 21st century. 

Anahtar Kelimeler

Diplomacy, Foreign policy, ICT, Digital diplomacy

Kaynakça

• Barston, R. (2014). Modern Diplomacy, Fourth Edition, Routledge
• Bjola, C, Holmes, M. (2015). Digital Diplomacy: Theory and Practice. Routledge, New York
• Breakenridge, D. (2012). Social Media and Public Relations, Eight New Practices for the PR Professional. Pearson Education, New Jersey,
• Cooper, A., Heine, J., Thakur, R. (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Modern Diplomacy. Oxford University Press, Oxford
• Deruda, A. (2014). The Digital Diplomacy Handbook. How to use social media to engage with global audiences
• Harris, B. (2013). Diplomacy 2.0: the future of social media in nation branding. The Journal of Public Diplomacy, Vol. 4, Iss. 1, Art. 3
• Hocking, B, Melissen, J. (2015). Diplomacy in the Digital Age. Clingendael Report. Netherlands Institute of International Relations- Clingendael
• Hocking, B., Melissen, J,, Riordan, S,, Sharp, P. (2012). Futures for diplomacy Integ- rative Diplomacy in the 21st Century. Netherlands Institute of International Relations- Clingendael
• Kurbalija, J. (2002), Knowledge management and diplomacy, DiploProjects, Mediter- ranea Academy of Diplomatic Studies, University of Malta
• Martin, C, Jagla, L. (2013). Integrating Diplomacy and Social Media. A Report of the First Annual Aspen Institute Dialogue on Diplomacy and Technology, Aspen In- stitute, Washington, D.C.
• Nweke, E. (2012). Diplomacy in Era of Digital Governance: Theory and Impact. In- formation and Knowledge Management, Vol 2, No.3
• Nye Jr, J. (2012). Viitorul puterii, Polirom, Iași
• Potter, E. (2002). Cyber-Diplomacy: Managing Foreign Policy in the Twenty-First Century. Montreal, QC, CAN: McGill-Queen's University Press
• Westcott, N. (2008). Digital Diplomacy: The impact of the Internet on International Relations, Oxford Internet Institute, Research Report 16
• *** Ministerul Afacerilor Externe (Romanian MFA website). (n.d.). Retrieved Sep- tember 10, 2015, from http://www.mae.ro
• *** Facebook page of Romanian MFA. (n.d). Retrieved September 10, 2015 from https://www.facebook.com/mae.romania?fref=ts
• *** Facebook page of Belgian MFA. (n.d). Retrieved September 10, 2015 from https://www.facebook.com/DiplomatieBelgium-268916186486576/timeline/
• *** Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs (Belgian MFA website). (n.d.). Retrieved September 10, 2015 from http://diplomatie.belgium.be/en
• *** Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Annual reports. (2003-2013.). Retrieved September 10, 2015, _organisation/activity_report/ from
• http://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/about_the