Nghililewanga Sakaria Kaukungwa

We are experiencing a historical shift where international relations require reforming to distinctively shape interaction and cooperation in the conduct of diplomacy.

Diplomacy can be defined as a peaceful and continuous process of communication that involves international relations among states or other collectives, based on intermediation, reciprocation, as well as formal representation. 

It can also be highlighted that diplomacy implies a change in the mode of behaviour, a way of doing business and carrying a certain professional style. 

Simplistically, it is the art of practising negotiations with the purpose of finding an amicable solution to an existing problem. 

The implications of negotiation itself involve several technical skills that are adopted by diplomats, which include – but are not limited to – communication skills, cultural intelligence, analytical and critical thinking capabilities, problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, patience and networking, because part of
being a diplomat includes maintaining a good image and maintaining good relationships.  Well-renowned Namibian diplomat
ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh, who is the former ambassador to the United States, a f
ormer assistant secretary general in the United Nations, former deputy minister of foreign affairs and advisor to the minister of International Relations and Cooperation, identifies “truthfulness and precision” to be important characteristics in the field of
diplomacy.  When one gains credence from
 the information that they convey to others, one must be precise in his or her reporting – and it must not be exaggerated.   Machiavelli interestingly viewed “sincerity and frankness” as of great importance – key attributes that are pertinent in carrying over to the new age world of diplomatic relations.

Statecraft is the use of instruments by central political authorities to serve diplomatic purposes, among others. It is the art of conducting public affairs through statesmanship.  In modern-day society, digital technology has transformed the way countries conduct diplomacy and manage their relationships with other nations. 

This has led to the emergence of digital statecraft, which refers to the use of digital instruments and technological utilities to achieve diplomatic objectives.  The most common types of diplomacy are generally known as bilateral diplomacy, multilateral diplomacy and Ad hoc diplomacy. These types of diplomacy are still dominant today because it involves the process of negotiating, while looking the other in the eye. 

While not affecting the core aspect of traditional diplomacy, the personal meeting, technology has affected how ministries and departments of a country do business.  Teleconferencing and internet communication technologies have fundamentally changed the way that business and other types of social interaction are conducted. Other forms of diplomacy pertaining to digital statecraft include: 

Social media diplomacy 

This form of diplomacy has become a powerful tool for diplomacy, allowing countries to communicate directly with foreign audiences and shape public opinion. Today, governments have committed social media teams that work to promote their country’s interests on various platforms. However, although there is a greater temptation for diplomats to use social media as a form of negotiation, it is very risky in terms of securing negotiation tactics. Social media marketing platforms and email applications are susceptible to hacking.

Cybersecurity diplomacy 

A new economic paradigm has emerged with the growth of e-commerce, and it is becoming a favourable market platform that enables domestic markets to compete with foreign firms in the international market. But are there potential risks involved in the new age world of digitisation?  Sure, technology is moving so fast that there is an underlying concern that developing countries may lose control of their interests and whether there is sufficient control over the security measures that are being utilised. 

One advantage of traditional diplomacy is that the possibility of hacking information is very limited and almost non-existent. 

A typewriter could not be bugged. Cybersecurity has become a major concern for nations, and many countries are now engaging in cybersecurity diplomacy to protect their interests in the digital realm. 

Diplomats work together to establish international norms and agreements around cybersecurity, and to coordinate responses to cyber threats.

With data diplomacy, countries are increasingly using data to inform their diplomatic strategies and decision-making. The overriding preoccupation of a diplomat is to maintain peace and fluent understanding because peace only comes from negotiations. 

We do not know the full implication of the capacity that digital statecraft can have on a developing country like Namibia. For that reason, one important requirement that one must adopt is the knowledge of her or his own country to have a comparative and competitive advantage on the global platform. 

Artificial intelligence diplomacy 

This is one form of digital statecraft that developing countries are gradually inclined to adopt. With artificial intelligence, Namibia is in a dilemma. We are already experiencing high levels of unemployment, and we must consider what would happen to young graduates in the emergence of an artificial economy. The transition from fossil fuel to green hydrogen is a serious matter, considering that we may have to accompany that with the management of artificial intelligence. 

We cannot prevent this from being introduced but we are preparing for it. The evolution of technology is also a serious matter that has caught up with us, and we need to become intellectually prepared. We can deduce that digital statecraft in today’s diplomatic practices involves the use of digital tools and platforms to conduct traditional diplomatic activities, such as negotiations, public diplomacy and cultural exchanges.  This kind of diplomacy can help lower costs, increase efficiency and broaden the reach of diplomatic efforts.  Diplomacy is typically conducted behind closed doors, so we do not know the extent to which digitisation has on growing economies, specifically that of respective developing countries that are more inclined to practice traditional diplomacy. 

However, if utilised correctly and competently, digital statecraft can help implement gradual but effective steps towards investing in digital infrastructure that encourages and promotes academia, e-commerce and digital trade, Smart Cities, technology and innovation, tourism, social welfare, manufacturing and other governmental initiatives. Managing positive change is an important aspect of diplomatic relations, and advancing technological instruments toward diplomatic engagements is very necessary. 

The integration of digital technologies and human connection continues to grow in an ever-so-complex modern world, and it only makes sense for leaders to stay informed about the latest digital tech and understand how it can be utilised to achieve their policy objectives. 

This is the time to familiarise oneself with cybernate artfulness, which, in turn, can explore new academic and business ventures, promote innovative infrastructure and strengthen cultural identity.  This kind of digital transformation serves as an entry point to embracing technological innovation as leaders and future leaders navigate this increasingly interconnected and digitised world.

* Nghililewanga Sakaria Kaukungwa is a student at the International University of Management (IUM).