Diplomacy in Era of Digital Governance: Theory and Impact

Abstract

Relationship among nations is not isolated from the rising impact of digital technology. The wave of digital revolution across the globe has introduced new thinking in the relationship among comity of nations. This thinking reflects concern on e-diplomacy as new tool for nation to nation engagement. The preponderance of digital technology in this process is collapsing walls of barrier that ever restricted interactions and relations among States, International institutions, organisation (governmental and non-governmental) and leaders especially in foreign relation and in knowledge sharing. This article therefore argues that while the benefits of digitalization of diplomatic relations and services among nations include integration, improved access and inclusiveness, internet and computer compromised nations and persons are restricted from its full utilization because of digital divide. The Actor Network Theory (ANT) as applied in this study illustrates the interrelatedness in access and feedback associated in foreign relations, The conclusion is that southern nations are peripheral in the network of e-diplomacy

Keywords: E-diplomacy and Digital Communication Technologies