INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND DIGITAL DIPLOMACY IN AFRICA: A STUDY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN NIGERIA AND SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

Digital diplomacy as a product of globalization and as a fruit of new public diplomacy is st considered one of the major trends of the 21 century in diplomatic communication. Being under the influence of the extraordinary advancement in Information Communication Technology (ICT), the internet, and social media, the way of realization and presentation of diplomacy has been radically changed and is increasingly removed from the traditional diplomatic elements. This paper seeks to explore the definition,
goals, and evolution of digital diplomacy in international relations. Methodologically, the paper used a qualitative method through secondary sources use to assess its benefits and risks. The paper argues that international actors are more than clear on how useful is digital diplomacy for achieving their goals in the international arena. However, the process of digitization is inseparable from cyber risks, as well as the freedom of the internet and social media is abused for various purposes that state and non-state actors may have. The concludes that although coupled with benefits on the one hand and risks, on the other hand, the risks of digital diplomacy are still covered by benefits, making it a key element for the realization of diplomatic activities in Africa and the world at large.