Palestinian diplomacy and communication in latin america case Brazil

Abstract

Diplomacy and soft power relations with worldwide countries have been and continue to be ambitious for an official Palestinian institution. Political and diplomatic outreach, media communication, and opening relations and embassies with countries and regimes increase legitimacy and convey the message to decision-makers. In Latin America, before the digital connectivity boom, letters and speeches helped build public opinion in favor of the recognition of the Palestinian State. Today, Palestinians are increasingly seeking diplomatic and media communication with the international community to gain support for their full sovereignty, the end of apartheid, settlements, and the recovery of rights. Along with institutional relations, new technologies—although under the control of large corporations—have been exploited by Palestinians to break the siege and allow communication as an extension of diplomatic efforts. This article intends to highlight the role of Palestinian diplomatic relations and media communication between them and the Brazilian government, aiming for political recognition of Palestine. To this end, the research adopts two methodological procedures: literature review and content analysis, based on in-depth interviews. Seven people who worked in the Palestinian diplomatic corps in Brazil were interviewed, including ambassadors and media figures who contributed to diplomatic communication and appeared in the Brazilian media to gain recognition.