Foreign policy in 140 characters: How technology is redefining diplomacy | DW Global Media Forum | DW | 06.11.2014
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Foreign policy in 140 characters: How technology is redefining diplomacy

The digital revolution has had a massive impact on the practice of foreign policy, revealing challenges and opportunities for modern diplomacy. But where is the line drawn between confidentiality and transparency?

hosted by Deutsche Welle
Tuesday, June 23 / Plenary Chamber

The digital revolution has had a massive impact on the practice of foreign policy, revealing challenges and opportunities for modern diplomacy. The Internet and social media are progressively becoming an essential part of the diplomatic craft.

Where foreign policy decisions were once the result of secret negotiations, new players have now entered the diplomatic stage. An increasingly uncontrollable flow of information and a directional shift in communications have changed social structures. The monopoly of power has moved from states to corporations, small organizations, individuals, and the media. Technological progress makes anyone a potential diplomat. As this brings with it the risk of a loss of control, authoritarian regimes in particular are struggling against their own populations to claim authority of interpretation. Disclosure of diplomatic secrets raises questions about new security requirements and traditional concepts of diplomacy and foreign policy.

Where is the line drawn between confidentiality and transparency? How do the new media landscape and active participation of civil society influence decision-makers’ scope of action? Is digital diplomacy a harbinger of a global media democracy? Do international organizations need to rethink their diplomatic strategies? How can new forms of media be integrated into conventional public diplomacy?

Policy experts will discuss these and related questions at this plenary.

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