‘New-new’ diplomacy

Abstract

DIPLOMACY is often characterised in terms of two phases: ‘old’ and ‘new’. Old diplomacy dates from the era of Greek city-states until 1814, when the Congress of Vienna prompted a new phase in diplomacy. Both phases were influenced by trends in international relations, the needs of the state, and the tools that were available at the time. Old diplomacy was secretive, with a small pool of actors. New diplomacy was more open, with the introduction of multilateralism as well as non-state actors. Today, however, a wider array of actors and instruments is at play in international relations. This article argues that a third phase in diplomacy is unfolding, referred to as the ‘new-new’ diplomacy. This has been prompted by the fourth industrial revolution, as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things have come to play a significant role This article explores the nature of and trends in the ‘new-new’ diplomacy. It is qualitative, comprising desktop research. It explores primary and secondary literature and refers to several real-world examples that have become apparent over the past five years. The main finding is that contemporary global trends and the influence of advanced technology will not change the relevance of diplomacy and diplomatic agents, but will rather complement it. Diplomacy will remain resilient and agile. Diplomacy is often referred to in two phases, old and new. Old diplomacy dates from the era of Greek city-states until 1814, when the Congress of Vienna was formed, prompting a new phase in diplomacy- new diplomacy. Both phases were influenced by trends in international relations, the needs of the state and the tools that were available at the time. Old diplomacy was secretive with a small pool of actors. New diplomacy became more open with the introduction of multilateralism and state and non-state actors. However, today, there is a wider array of actors and tools at play in international relations. This article argues that there is a third phase in diplomacy that is unfolding, as referred to in the paper as new 'new' diplomacy. This third phase of diplomacy is prompted by the fourth industrial revolution, as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things come to play a significant role in international relations. This article explores the trends and characteristics of a new 'new' diplomacy. The study is qualitative, comprising desktop research. It explores primary and secondary literature and refers to several real-world examples that have been visible over the past five years. The global trends and influence of advanced technology may not change the relevance of diplomacy and diplomatic agents but rather complement the practice. It is predicted that, as with old and new diplomacy, diplomacy will remain resilient and agile, resulting in a new 'new' diplomacy.