Digital Diplomacy: The Role Of Social Media

Abstract

Technological advancement has affected international relations, where
diplomacy has changed to digital diplomacy towards Industry Revolution 4.0. This form
of diplomacy utilizes the social media platform to practice any collaboration or conflict
resolution between states in the world. Development in technology has transformed
diplomatic engagement, which is now no longer limited through bilateral talks and
discussions but also encompassing social media platforms for negotiation or other
endeavours. This study aims to justify the importance and effectiveness of social media as
a platform for maintaining international relations in diplomacy. This finding can help to
enhance the approaches made by the state's leader and diplomats and determine the
advantages and disadvantages of social media as the channel used to convey information
to citizens as well as the other states. The weights between the pros and contras of using
social media may validate the usefulness of this channel among the states leader and
diplomats that are using social media as their tools for diplomacy, henceforth various
decisions can be made about global issues. However, the role of social media poses a
challenge to be scrutinized about its effectiveness in establishing diplomatic relations in
an international context.