Introduction:

• There were allegations that the technological advances in mid-19th century (especially with the advent of cable) will lead to end of diplomacy. However, it did not end diplomacy; but they forever changed the way it was conducted.
• Today, with the world witnessing more sweeping technological revolution, governments are finding new ways to adapt. New technology requires new approaches, encapsulated by the phrase ‘Digital Diplomacy’.
• Whether it is in using the social media to influence public opinion at home and abroad, conducting espionage on other states, securing one’s critical infrastructure against foreign interference, setting terms for cross-border data flows, governing the internet, countering terrorism, or preventing the militarisation of Artificial Intelligence, all major governments are reorganising their diplomatic mechanisms.

Do you know?

• To enhance the effectiveness of its voice in the new domain, France appointed a full time “digital ambassador” in 2017.
• Denmark has set up offices of “TechPlomacy” in Silicon Valley, Copenhagen and Beijing.
• The French and Danish digital ambassadors deal with other governments, also technology giants like Google, Facebook and Alibaba and Huawei.

Why India should review and reorganise its technology diplomacy?

• Technology has now become a driving force shaping the world. For instance, the influence of companies such as Google, IBM, Apple and Microsoft is now so great that their economic strength and impact exceeds that of many nation states.
• Increasing global complexity has led to nation states holding less importance, and private sector giants becoming more high-profile.
• TechPlomacy is needed to build strong ties with these tech giants as these firms open doors to new jobs; they collect a lot of data, and they can also help nations in their fight against terror by “taking down accounts as soon as possible.
• It will help to check the power of technology giants and to engage in traditional diplomatic work with such companies and other key tech stakeholders.
• TechPlomacy will help government support and create the best conditions for the digital era.
• A tech ambassador will reconcile his/her country’s national interests.

Conclusion:

Diplomacy today is fast changing due to an increasingly globalised and complex world.

First, social media is acting as a powerful tool that is helping to “influence on a massive scale” and enabling more open, democratic and inclusive diplomacy. Further, technology is creating more informal lines of communication, and enabling a new generation of ‘citizen diplomats’.

Second, diplomats need to consider the implications of artificial intelligence and automation. TechPlomacy will help create the right global institutions to realise the potential, and manage the threats.