Effects of Information and Communication Technology on Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Administration

Abstract

The rapid development in information and communication technologies had a multiple effect on the tools, forms and overall nature of diplomacy. The work with information has a major share in the activities of foreign service and in those of a diplomat. Over the past decades, however, the collection and processing of information underwent major changes as a result of the revolution in ICT. The approach to and use of information itself changed and the analytical approach to information processing in diplomacy has become crucial. Despite the initial incompatibility of the internet and social networks with diplomatic activities – unlike diplomacy, social media tend to be a more informal communication tool – a number of examples in diplomatic practice show synergy possible also in this field. The ICT is not an end in itself, but represents a means and/or communication tool for a ministry of foreign affairs to increase efficiency in some of its operations. The innovation process in eDiplomacy and within the context of progressive development in new ICT is likely to continue to affect the future of diplomacy considerably.