Network Diplomacy: Theory

Abstract

Network diplomacy is a relatively new phenomenon in the world of international relations which refers to an increased role of non-state actors on the world stage engaging with state actors to arrive to more comprehensive solutions and more effective decisions. Unfortunately, there are not enough studies and research composed this concept, however a few authors and political scientists take on the task to analyze what network diplomacy is, what it does and what it can do. However, if network diplomacy as such is a wide practice, the integral part of which are both states and non-states actors, and if considering that social network has become the world’s new, convenient and quick form of communication, then it will soon have to be applied also on the higher, intergovernmental level. This paper primarily focuses on ideas and definitions of network diplomacy and provides a brief overview of the works, papers and articles that have already been published on the topic, that address both the theoretical and practical implications of network diplomacy.