Cat Diplomacy

Abstract

The rise of digitalization has brought significant changes across various fields, including diplomacy. This has given rise to the concept of “digital diplomacy,” which combines traditional diplomatic practices with digital tools and social media platforms. Digital diplomacy leverages social media's ubiquity to enable politicians to not only reach their constituents but also shape their public image effectively. This phenomenon offers politicians new avenues to enhance public relations, craft their image, and engage voters. Recently, a global trend known as “digital diplomacy” has emerged, with politicians using cat-related posts on social media platforms as a novel approach. In this study, researchers analyze the cat-related social media posts of politicians in Turkey, examining their potential roles in creating a charming image, influencing the audience, or garnering societal attention. The study employs content analysis and delves into socio-political contexts to explore this intriguing phenomenon further.