Body Part, Hand, Person, Security
A close-up of hands shaking

Technology and diplomacy

In the world of international relations, the convergence of technology and diplomacy has become a critical factor in the 21st century. Significant historical developments, such as the invention of the printing press and the rise of the digital era, illustrate how technological advancements have persistently transformed communication, transportation, and global interactions. These shifts have profoundly impacted diplomacy, modifying its practices and broadening the scope of diplomatic activities. 

As we enter an age characterised by swift technological advancements, it is essential to understand the dynamics of these interactions to effectively navigate the complexities of global diplomatic relations.

The history of technology’s incorporation into diplomatic practices highlights a long-standing tradition in which diplomats have utilised emerging communication tools for increased effectiveness. From the advanced postal networks established during the Persian Empire, to the 19th-century introduction of the telegraph, technology has been integral to the evolution of diplomacy.

 Adult, Male, Man, Person, Art, Clothing, Coat, Drawing, Head

Further innovations, such as the telephone and fax machine, have continued this trajectory, improving communication efficiency and expediting diplomatic correspondence and decision-making. Each technological breakthrough has significantly influenced how nations interact and negotiate.

Still, it was the advent of the internet and email in the late 20th century that truly transformed diplomatic practices. Diplomats gained the ability to communicate in real-time worldwide and access vast amounts of information. Email quickly became the predominant medium for diplomatic exchanges, markedly improving efficiency and responsiveness.

 Art, Drawing, Electronics

In today’s digital world, the internet, advanced technologies, and social media platforms have become indispensable for diplomacy, revolutionising how nations interact on the global stage. While traditional methods of diplomacy still hold value, online platforms now play a central role in communication, information gathering, and public diplomacy. Facebook and Twitter are powerful channels for engaging global audiences.

At the same time, tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI) enable data analysis, real-time translation, and sentiment monitoring to streamline diplomatic efforts. Blockchain technology has also emerged as a game-changer, offering secure platforms for treaty enforcement and international agreements. Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) provide immersive experiences for cultural diplomacy and virtual summits, creating new opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Meanwhile, secure communication tools and encrypted messaging platforms ensure confidential and protected diplomatic interactions.

However, these advancements bring a complex set of challenges. The rapid spread of information—and misinformation—has contributed to ideological polarisation, eroding trust in digital communications. Diplomats must combat disinformation and address the rising threats of cyberattacks that target sensitive diplomatic data. 

The ethical implications of adopting advanced technologies, such as AI and big data, also present nuanced dilemmas that require careful navigation. As the digital age unfolds, international cooperation and innovative strategies are essential for harnessing the potential of emerging tools while mitigating their risks, ensuring that diplomacy evolves effectively in this complex, interconnected era.

The concept of tech diplomacy has emerged as a response to these challenges. It involves negotiations, representation, and collaborative efforts on emerging governance and policy matters between governments and technology firms developing AI and other digital innovations. Unlike traditional diplomacy, it involves interactions between diplomats and the private sector. 

The increasing influence of major technology firms has prompted nations to establish a presence in crucial innovation hubs. Denmark led this movement in 2017 by implementing a specialised tech diplomacy policy and appointing the world’s first global tech ambassador in San Francisco. Tech diplomacy is closely linked to broader diplomatic categories, including digital, scientific, and economic diplomacy. As society increasingly depends on technological platforms, these companies play a crucial role in shaping economic, political, and social landscapes.

 Book, Publication, Person, Face, Head, Text, Comics

Tech diplomacy operates at the intersection of digital diplomacy, science diplomacy, and economic diplomacy. It involves collaboration between tech firms and governments to address new diplomatic issues. Science diplomacy leverages scientific insights to shape foreign policy, while economic diplomacy focuses on advancing financial interests through trade and investment. Tech diplomacy encompasses substantial economic dimensions and often blends diplomatic and traditional lobbying strategies when addressing financial matters.

The field of tech diplomacy complicates the impact of digitalisation on diplomatic practices. It encompasses terms like digital diplomacy, tech diplomacy, and cyber diplomacy. These terms are often used interchangeably, leading to misunderstandings about their specific meanings.

 Computer, Electronics, Laptop, Pc, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Art, Computer Hardware, Hardware, Face, Head

At Diplo, we clarify these terms with our semantic framework. Captured in Diplo’s tripartite methodology, it examines the impact of digitalisation on the developing geopolitical context of diplomacy, the emergence of new topics in the diplomatic sphere, and the utilisation of innovative tools in diplomatic practice.

In this framework, tech diplomacy primarily refers to policy-related topics on the diplomatic agenda, such as content moderation, cybersecurity, AI, data governance, and taxation. It also encompasses geopolitical aspects like digital interdependence, safeguarding submarine cables, and satellite communications.

While cyber diplomacy is a negotiation conducted bilaterally or multilaterally concerning cybersecurity issues, tech diplomacy pertains to the interactions between technology companies and national governments.

The term digital diplomacy serves as an overarching descriptor that encompasses the three effects of digitalisation on diplomacy:

  • Shifts in geopolitical dynamics
  • The introduction of new subjects onto diplomatic agendas
  • The adoption of new diplomatic tools

Based on our teaching and research on the intersection of digitalisation and diplomacy over the past three decades, we find ‘digital diplomacy’ to be the most accurate representation of this phenomenon.

 Book, Publication, Comics, Person, Face, Head

Tech diplomacy primarily engages with issues related to digital policy and governance. Companies assign varying degrees of importance to these topics, influenced by their business models.

For instance, the significance of data in their operations shapes their diplomatic strategies and policy priorities. META and Google, which heavily rely on data mining for substantial advertising revenue, prioritise different aspects compared to Apple, which focuses more on hardware sales and supply chain issues. Similarly, Amazon’s revenue model is primarily based on e-commerce, making it less dependent on data mining, a trend mirrored by Microsoft, which generates most of its income from operating systems and hardware sales. Understanding these revenue structures can clarify the policy priorities of these organisations

Imagine a world where diplomats use AI to predict crises before they happen. In this world, blockchain acts as a secure agreement between countries, allowing them to make deals in code instead of writing them down. Diplomacy is evolving quickly and becoming more complex, with technology changing how countries interact.

 Photography, Person, People

Meanwhile, powerful tech companies, although not elected, play a big role in agreements about AI ethics and space exploration. This blurs the lines between government and technology firms. The challenge is that trust can break down quickly; one algorithm error or viral rumor could disrupt years of alliances.

However, this chaos also brings opportunities. Real-time translation can remove language barriers, quantum encryption can protect sensitive information, and grassroots movements can use social media to hold leaders accountable. Future diplomats will need more than just good negotiation skills; they must also think ahead and understand technology. They will navigate a world where digital tools are as powerful as traditional weapons, and innovation drives peace. The game is changing, whether we are ready or not.

Blogs

Don’t waste the crisis: How AI can help reinvent International Geneva

International Geneva faces significant challenges, including financial constraints, waning multilateralism, and escalating geopolitical tensions. To remain relevant, it must embrace transformative cha[...]

Jovan Kurbalija

10 Apr, 2025

Navigating the AI maze: How to choose the right AI platform or tool

With over 10,000 AI applications available, selecting the right AI tool can be daunting. Diplo advocates starting with a 'good enough' tool to avoid paralysis by analysis, tailoring it to specific nee[...]

DiploFoundation

09 Apr, 2025

Algorithms confront tariffs: A hidden digital front in an emerging trade war

President Trump's tariffs on goods have intensified global trade tensions, notably with the EU. However, they largely ignore the critical sector of digital services, where the US holds a strong advant[...]

Jovan Kurbalija

04 Apr, 2025

Digital sovereignty: The end of the open internet as we know it? (Part 1)

The concept of digital sovereignty has gained prominence. This discussion examines the tension between territorial politics and transborder digital operations, highlighting how demands for autonomy re[...]

Marília Maciel

03 Apr, 2025

The Hidden Influence: How Lwów–Warsaw School shaped AI developments

The Lvov-Warsaw School, founded in the late 19th century by Kazimierz Twardowski, has made lasting contributions to philosophy highly relevant to modern AI. The school’s work in logic and semantics [...]

Jovan Kurbalija

01 Apr, 2025

Is AI the key to nuclear renaissance?

As AI’s energy demands surge, nuclear power is emerging as a key solution to sustain its growth while minimising carbon emissions. Tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are investing heavil[...]

Bogdan Stojanovic

27 Mar, 2025

Part 6: Governing the metaverse through standards

No system works without standards – not cities, not cyberspace. As the metaverse grows, it needs rules that go beyond code. Read Part 6 of the new metaverse blog series: UN 2.0 and the Metaverse: Ar[...]

Anita Lamprecht

27 Mar, 2025

Ethics and AI | Part 6

The EU AI Act is the world’s first comprehensive legal framework regulating AI, balancing innovation with fundamental rights protection. By adopting a risk-based approach and emphasising transparenc[...]

Petru Dumitriu

20 Mar, 2025

Part 5: Rethinking legal governance in the metaverse

Are we stuck in a ‘Groundhog Day’ of tech governance? The metaverse and AI demand new legal approaches, yet outdated regulations keep us in a cycle of repetition. Can we break free and build adap[...]

Anita Lamprecht

13 Mar, 2025

Ethics and AI | Part 5

The Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence marks a historic step as the first legally binding international treaty on AI, emphasising human rights, democracy, and the ru[...]

Petru Dumitriu

12 Mar, 2025

Part 4: SDGs as ethical, human rights-based, and technological boundaries of the metaverse

Can the SDGs serve as guardrails for metaverse development? In Part 4 of her blog series, Dr Anita Lamprech examines how human rights, ethics, and digital policies must evolve alongside immersive tech[...]

Anita Lamprecht

08 Mar, 2025

Data embassies: Protecting nations in the cloud

In an era where cyber threats, natural disasters, and geopolitical instability pose risks to digital infrastructure, data embassies offer nations a secure way to protect critical information beyond th[...]

Viona Rashica

06 Mar, 2025

Resources

2024

Unpacking Global Digital Compact: Actors, Issues, and Processes

Unpacking the Global Digital Compact explores the origins and impact of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), a new UN framework adopted at the 2024 Summi... Read more

2024

Digital diplomacy in the theory and practice of 21st century diplomacy

The book explores how digital diplomacy has transformed international relations by enabling real-time communication, fostering global engagement, and ... Read more

2024

Decoding Disinformation: Lessons from Case Studies

The evolution of the internet over the years has played a crucial role in the access to and dissemination of information. The digitalisation of news p... Read more

2024

Tech Diplomacy: Actors, Trends, and Controversies

In today’s world, tech diplomacy bridges governments and tech companies, focusing on governance, policy, and cooperation in digital technologies and... Read more

2024

German Strategy for International Digital Policy

The German government's Strategy for International Digital Policy outlines their commitment to safeguarding democracy and freedom online, promoting hu... Read more

2023

Reforms to the International Financial Architecture | Our Common Agenda Policy Brief 6 

The international financial architecture is outdated and failing humanity. From egregious borrowing costs for developing countries to underinvestment ... Read more

2023

Conclusion of tech diplomacy study

Tech diplomacy study concludes that countries are actively engaging in structured tech diplomacy practices, focusing on internet governance. The Bay A... Read more

2023

Other hubs of tech diplomacy

Many countries are establishing tech diplomacy hubs beyond the Bay Area, including cities like Houston, Chicago, Boston, and New York. Globally, place... Read more

2023

Formal and informal tech diplomacy networking

In the Bay Area, formal and informal tech diplomacy networking opportunities exist, including events like the Cyber and Tech Retreat, the Freedom Onli... Read more

2023

Tech diplomacy interactions in the San Francisco Bay Area

Tech diplomacy interactions in the San Francisco Bay Area involve a variety of tech companies and diplomats focusing on crucial discussions regarding ... Read more

2023

USA tech diplomacy and the San Francisco Bay Area

Since 2017, the environment of engagement in tech diplomacy in the Bay Area has changed considerably, as the USA has introduced new digital and cyber ... Read more

2023

Tech diplomacy in digital foreign policy

Countries are increasingly implementing digital elements in their policies, defining national digital and digitalisation policies, and in some cases, ... Read more

Tailor your subscription to your interests, from updates on the dynamic world of digital diplomacy to the latest trends in AI.

Subscribe to more Diplo and Geneva Internet Platform newsletters!