The Oxford Handbook of Digital Diplomacy

In recent years, digital technologies have substantially impacted the world of diplomacy. From social media platforms and artificial intelligence to smartphone application and virtual meetings, digital technologies have proven disruptive impacting the norms, practices and logics of diplomats, states, and diplomatic institutions. Although the term digital diplomacy is commonly used by academics and diplomats, few works to date have clearly defined this term or offered a comprehensive analysis of its evolution. This handbook investigates digital diplomacy as a practice, as a process and as a form of disruption. Written by leading experts in the field, this comprehensive volume delves into the ways in which digital technologies are being used to achieve foreign policy goals, and how diplomats are adapting to the digital age.

The Oxford Handbook of Digital Diplomacy explores the shifting power dynamics in diplomacy, exploring the establishment of embassies in technology hubs, the challenges faced by foreign affairs departments in adapting to digital technologies, and the utilization of digital tools as a means of exerting influence. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, including theories from international relations, diplomacy studies, communications, sociology, internet studies, and psychology, the handbook examines the use of digital technologies for international development in the Global South, the efforts to combat digital disinformation in the Middle East, and the digital policies of countries in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Through case studies and in-depth analysis, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the term ＂digital diplomacy＂ and the many ways in which diplomacy has evolved in the digital age.

Corneliu Bjola, Associate Professor of Diplomatic Studies, Department of International Development, University of Oxford, Ilan Manor, Senior Lecturer, Department of Communication Studies, Ben Gurion University of the Negev

Corneliu Bjola is Associate Professor of Diplomatic Studies at the University of Oxford and Head of the Oxford Digital Diplomacy Research Group, as well as a Faculty Fellow at the Center on Public Diplomacy at USC and a Professorial Lecturer at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. His research and publications focus on the impact of digital technology on diplomacy, with a current emphasis on public diplomacy, international negotiations, and countering digital propaganda.

Ilan Manor received his PhD from the University of Oxford in 2020 and is Senior Lecturer at Ben Gurion University of the Negev. He is Vice Chair of the Public Diplomacy Interest Group at the International Communication Association and am on the editorial board of two academic journals. His academic work has focused on the topic of digital diplomacy, and he has published more than 20 academic articles in peer-reviewed journals focusing on digital diplomacy.