Information and Communication Technology (Ict) and Diplomacy: A Conceptual Overview

Abstract

The increase number of foreign mission as well as diplomat around the globe signifies the global recognition to the vital role of diplomatic corps in this era of information age. The rapid development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has led to drastic change in the nature and conduct of diplomacy and diplomatic services in the contemporary time. This paper addressed questions like: Has information and communication technology in essence improved the practice of diplomacy? Has the aid of communication technology made diplomacy easier and more viable? Has its advent reduced the importance of conventional diplomacy? And what implication is there then for the grooming of new diplomats who would have the task of performing the acts of diplomacy in the nearest future? In answering these questions, the paper employed a qualitative research methodology based on data collected from mostly secondary sources such as textbooks, journals and articles; and views of different scholars on the use of  (ICT) in the practice of diplomacy.  The paper highlighted the development and progressive effect in key areas of diplomatic services, aided by the discoveries and revolution in the information and communication technology.  Conclusively, the paper suggested potential trend in ICT which would go a long way in aiding the training of future diplomat who would have the task of performing the acts of diplomacy in the future.

Key words: Diplomacy, ICT, MFA and public diplomacy