The digital revolution, especially social media, has radically changed the ways governments engage with foreign publics.
A new form of interaction has emerged between governments and the public in the international arena, influenced by factors such as:
- The digital revolution and the arrival of AI
- The rise of social media platforms and influencers
- Greater global competition, affecting multilateral diplomatic collaboration
- Globalisation
With unprecedented public interest in foreign affairs, citizens are demanding greater scrutiny of diplomacy, and governments are obliged to respond by providing information about the policies they pursue and the results that they achieve. At the same time, governments are engaging with foreign citizens online, particularly through social media.
This course explores the essentials of digital public diplomacy, highlighting how social media and AI shape governments’ strategies for engaging with foreign audiences, and illustrating these through case studies.