Wade W. Henckert
Diplomacy is the main instrument of foreign policy and global governance, which represents the broader goals and strategies that guide a state’s interactions with the rest of the world.
Diplomats stand on the frontline in implementing and promoting their nations’ foreign policy. They seek to build bridges between countries in order to promote trade, investment and mutually-beneficial relations.
According to Spies (2018), early forms of diplomacy originated from the African continent. The earliest records of diplomacy on the continent are inscribed clay tablets that date back to antiquity.
The cuneiform writing on these tablets provides details of Egypt’s relations with its neighbours, manifesting in trade agreements, political alliances and the peaceful resolution of conflict. The first-ever codified peace agreement in human history, c. 1100 bce, was a treaty between Pharaoh Rameses II of Egypt and the King of the Hittites.
Understanding that diplomatic engagement stems from the basis of human interaction and character, it is difficult to remove the humanistic element from the 21st century diplomatic process.
The Covid-19 pandemic has increasingly raised the case that virtual and digital forms of engagement are best required and more effective than traditional forms of diplomatic engagement.
Moreover, discussions have centred around the need to reform or reshape diplomatic representation abroad by integrating more digital characteristics to the process and practice of diplomacy.
Digitalisation has been argued to make communication easier, faster and more transparent. For instance, conferences and meetings may be held virtually; no need for on-ground staff to be present. When discussions take place on important issues, it can be watched from the comfort of your laptop screen. This is the argument for those who advocate for more means of digital interaction and less physical representation.
It should be said that, as communication becomes more digitalised, the humanistic element of communication and diplomacy, in fact, cannot be removed. This rings true for the practice of diplomacy. The diplomat, as the centre point of building diplomatic engagement, for now, cannot be removed from the practice of diplomacy.
One key facet to this is that trust will remain a pivotal element within the confines of diplomatic practice, and such trust can only be built through constant physical engagement.
Therefore, in the evolution of diplomatic agents, it cannot be undermined that digitalisation will make the profession more efficient and effective, especially when transcending borders.
The question remains: how can the current crop of diplomatic agents evolve together with the tools of digitalisation to adequately promote their countries, and still fully implement their national interests abroad? It remains to be seen what the characteristics of a digital diplomat will look like in coming years.
*This article showcases my own personal opinions and observations. It pertains no reflection from any institution.