The Influence Of Social Media On Diplomacy: A Case Study Of US-Russia Relations

Abstract

Social media has now become a major part of modern diplomacy with countries all over the world embracing it as an alternative medium of communication within diplomacy. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, websites and blogs are examples of dominant social media platforms used by states and non-states alike. The use of social media in diplomacy has given rise to public diplomacy efforts, e-diplomacy or digital diplomacy and soft power and consequently transformed modern diplomacy. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of social media on the conduct and execution of modern diplomacy. The study measured the extent of social media's influence on diplomatic relations between the USA and Russia particularly and drew out some benefits and challenges as well as preferred solutions to the challenges. The research design of the study made use of the qualitative method in collecting, analyzing and interpreting data. The sampling method employed was the non-probability technique of purposive sampling because the selected sample had adequate information pertaining to the theme of the study. From the findings, social media has enhanced communication between diplomats and their target audiences while some shortcomings include security breaches and the propagation of fake news. Recommendations based on the findings include social media training courses for diplomats to enable them to stay on top of situations, improvement of security measures to protect information and data and measures to deal with propagators of false information.