Digital Diplomacy in Latin America

Abstract

Abstract Referring to general aspects and common features that offer insights on the digitalization of diplomacy in Latin America, the chapter provides a conceptual mosaic that seeks to synthesize diverse approaches by which a number of countries in the region—albeit at different paces—embraced the digital paradigm and consequently adopted digital platforms to achieve their own foreign policy objectives. In addition, the chapter delves deeper into the specific cases of Mexico and Chile, providing details of different aspects of each experience to illustrate how the region has ventured into digital diplomacy during the last decade. The growing consularization of diplomatic practice, particularly following the Latin American countries’ response to the Covid-19 pandemic, is examined and discussed in the final section of the chapter. From the chapter’s recounting and the authors’ perspectives on the practical use of digital tools for diplomatic purposes, the Latin American experiences shed light on how the different countries have recognized the importance of (and the high cost of not ) developing a strong online presence and a digital diplomacy strategy that is in step with the times.