UK Digital Diplomacy

Abstract

Diplomacy of any form or type is an important tool of foreign policy for countries who understand its importance, benefits, and risks. With the information and community technologies (ICT) era came the use of different digital tools to advance the diplomacy agenda which has challenged the traditional approach to diplomacy. Such use raises theoretical questions which at times undermine the fundamental values of diplomacy and how its core is on a fluid yet beneficial path in the digital era. This chapter reviews the use of digital diplomacy as a crises management mechanism. It examines the UK’s digital diplomacy and its use for navigating challenges of different crises whilst retaining its global relevance. No doubt countries such as the UK have benefited and continue to benefit from the use of digital diplomacy especially in managing the Brexit and COVID-19 crises. Despite these two defining and disruptive events, the UK has used its digital diplomacy as a mechanism to remain relevant on a global stage, managed its international relations, and sustained its engagement with strategic partners post-Brexit and post-COVID-19. Beyond this, the UK appears to remain committed to the use of digital diplomacy as a tactful process for dealing with countries and people alike.