Sample Solution

Once the Xerox Copier was invented, diplomacy died”. (Young 1970). “New Media” defined as “A catch-all term used for various kinds of electronic communications that are conceivable due to innovation in computer technology” (Technopedia.com n.d.) In modern terms, it is characterised by social media platforms ubiquitous in everyday life such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The origins of diplomacy are much older, and has evolved alongside New Media to be defined as “established method of influencing the decisions and behaviour of foreign governments and peoples through dialogue, negotiation, and other measures short of war or violence.” (Marks and Freeman 2019) Although this definition is true in many ways, the combination of New Media and Diplomacy has made it even more important for modern-day nation-states to engage in not only foreign diplomacy amongst elites and governments but public diplomacy both domestically and internationally. In essence, the Xerox copier didn’t spell death for Diplomacy, it entailed a new era where a wealth of information is constantly changing the dynamic of how Diplomacy is conducted.

The key areas in which New Media has helped a state’s diplomacy are: facilitating the improvement of traditional diplomacy between State Diplomats and Governments, creating a new domain of Public Diplomacy with a wealth of information. Furthermore, the impact of New Media on the prevailing models of Media influence on Diplomacy; namely the Elitist and Pluralist Models will be evaluated.