Multi-level diplomacy in Europe in the digital century

Abstract

This chapter presents the case of Science Diplomacy to illustrate the ability of European Union (EU) and European actors to navigate, manage, and influence through Science Diplomacy networks. It deals with how European and EU actors have been part of these changes, and looks into how they have attempted to navigate the disruptions more generally. As a result of the proliferation of governance, diplomacy is no longer preserved solely for sovereign states; both subnational regions and supranational regions have emerged and are gaining more decision-making power, also in their way of conducting external relations. The big disruption came with the rise of the internet: it gave rise to abundant information and super connectivity; a rise of network diplomacy where networks become diplomatic actors and where diplomatic actors’ network. Public Diplomacy and the diplomacy of everything have started to make its way.