Is Digital Diplomacy a Good Tool for Resolving International Conflicts

Abstract

The use of digital platforms in diplomacy has transformed the ways in which diplomacy is conducted. The advancement of communication channels and the widespread use of digital tools have contributed to the expansion of communication, leading to discussions regarding its potential impacts on conflict resolution. However, the profound influence of digital communication on public diplomacy is significant. Meanwhile, digital diplomacy, although advantageous in certain aspects, is limited in its ability to reproduce the intricate dynamics observed in in-person interactions. This paper examines the effectiveness of digital diplomacy in conflict resolution. Using various sources from the disciplines of international relations, business studies, medicine, communication studies and computer science, this paper studies the psychological, geographical, and technological benefits and drawbacks of digital diplomacy. After a thorough comparison of various literature from the aforementioned disciplines, the paper arrives at the conclusion that in order to arrive at effective conflict resolutions, diplomats should take a predominantly traditional approach while using some form of digital diplomacy.