E-Diplomacy - How the Digital Age Shapes International and Security Affairs

Abstract

Interconnectivity and the pervasion of digital technologies in the social, economic and political sphere lead to a constantly growing reliance on the internet as well as different information and communication technologies (ICTs). As communication technology has always been a key driver with a transformational impact on politics, especially in terms of international relations, this panel refers to these developments by focussing on a discussion on how and to which extent the diplomatic world is shaped by digitalisation. Therefore, the current developments, often subsumed under the term E-Diplomacy shall be discussed in an open manner, to analyse effects on political communication and language, processes, structures, actor constellations and power relations. In this sense, the influence of the so called digital age covers not only the adaption of digital technology and the use of digital resources in diplomatic practice, it also throws light on the fast-moving of foreign policy goals and agendas and cyberspace as diplomatic arena. Especially regarding the latter, the use of E-Diplomacy capacities as a mode of observing the world comes into play, especially in terms of developments concerning security affairs. In this sense, cyber security and the interaction of different actors in cyberspace as a subject matter of diplomacy shall be discussed as well. The latter covers inter alia different attempts for a joint diplomatic response in form of code of conduct developments or the stimulation of discourses about the regulation of cyber relations. Therefore, the developments in this field will be discussed by addressing the following topics: (1) Mapping the diplomatic landscape in the Digital Age: concepts and implementation approaches in a comparative perspective. (2) Digital diplomats and the rise of a new diplomatic tongue? Digital communication via social media. (3) E-Diplomacy as a changing mode of observation through the lens of the electronic eye: How the use of digital tools & smart grid technology shape security policy and diplomatic relations. (4) Cyber Security & Cyberspace as a diplomatic field. (5) E-Diplomacy beyond social media: Digitalization of bureaucracy.