Internet Diplomacy: Shaping the Global Politics of Cyberspace

Digital diplomacy is expanding beyond the instrumental use of digital technologies to include foreign affairs and international relations, particularly in the context of emerging international tensions clustered around digital environments. This collection explores the concept of digital diplomacy from an interdisciplinary perspective, focusing on the role of the European Union and its member states in the governance of the internet.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Diplomatic initiatives aimed at mitigating tensions surrounding the governance of transnational digital infrastructure have gained increasing prominence in global politics. Nevertheless, the translation of this novel dimension of diplomacy into a concrete and comprehensive concept remains limited and ambiguous. For some, digital diplomacy is confined to the utilization of digital means, particularly social networks, by diplomats to engage in a form of "Public Diplomacy 2.0." This collection goes beyond the mere instrumental use of digital technologies in diplomatic practices. It recognizes digital infrastructure as a source of new conflicts, where innovative diplomatic approaches emerge to facilitate negotiations among parties concerning the governance, policy developments, and technical solutions of the internet. The scope of digital diplomacy extends to foreign affairs and international relations, encompassing all emerging international tensions clustered around digital environments, such as cybersecurity and internet governance.

This collection explores the concept of digital diplomacy to understand and formalize it across various dimensions and from multiple interdisciplinary perspectives. It includes contributions that address diplomacy surrounding the international debate on the governance of the internet, with a special emphasis on the role of the European Union, its member states, and its neighborhood. Given the historical significance of the European Union in the development of the internet and the dominant position of US internet giants in the global digital market, this book adopts an interdisciplinary approach to examine the topic.

Leading scholars in the field of internet governance contribute their insights to this volume, providing valuable perspectives and insights into the complex dynamics of digital diplomacy. By examining the intersection of technology, politics, and international relations, this collection offers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with governing the digital realm.

In conclusion, digital diplomacy has emerged as a critical component of global politics, shaping the way nations interact and cooperate in the digital age. This collection contributes to the ongoing discourse by exploring the multifaceted aspects of digital diplomacy and its implications for international relations. As the world continues to navigate the complex terrain of digital governance, this book serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners alike.

Weight: 585g
Dimension: 229 x 158 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538161173