In 2015, Global Diplomatic Forum published the concept of
Smart Diplomacy
examining the evolution of diplomacy in the 21
st
century. One of the pillars of
Smart Diplomacy
is the use of technology in diplomacy. The far spread of online platforms makes them valuable tools for reaching a global audience in policy communications. Increasingly, people tend to use online channels as their main sources of information to gain knowledge about various subjects. Thus, these channels are increasingly impacting the perceptions, perspectives, and behaviours of people worldwide.
Governments and their affiliates are using online platforms not only to reach audiences for their cultural and trade offerings, but also to detect security threats, as digital capabilities prepare nations to protect their economic and military resources against cyber-attacks. In addition, these capabilities are reinvigorating traditional diplomacy between state officials, as they allow for the efficient use of time during meetings and in communications with counterparts and colleagues in different countries without the need to physically travel.
Digital Technology impactss Diplomacy on three levels :
1- Communications: Digital Technology improves the way diplomats communicates with each other and their stakeholders
2- Decision making : Digital Technology improves access to information and data in a timely manner to improve the decision making proces for diplomats
3- The platform : Virtual space is the platform in which diplomats communicates with each other, where meetings are taking place, where data is stored and where documentations are sent and received through
