The Role Of 21St Century Communication Technology In Diplomatic Engagement

Abstract

The thesis topic in this study is on the role of 21stCentury Communication Technology in enhancing Diplomatic engagement. The study set out to assess State management of diplomatic engagement in a liberal globalized information environment, analyse Kenya’s experience in adopting 21st Century Communication Technology for diplomatic engagement and evaluate the extent to which 21st Century Communication Technology has been utilized and converted it into opportunities for more effective diplomatic engagement. The research problem identified in the study is that while State and Government officials increasingly use 21st century communication technology in diplomatic engagement to advance national interests on the global stage, the adjustment and benefits of technological transformation are slow to be realized. The research gap I identified was research on trends in this regard and likelihood of improvement in the situation The Hypothetical basis for the research is that States can maintain overall control and management of diplomatic engagement in a liberal, globalized information environment. Kenya, which is the case study for the thesis has experienced both successes and challenges in adopting 21st Century Communication Technology and thirdly that the challenges posed by the use of 21stCentury Communication Technology can be converted into opportunities for more effective diplomatic engagement. The theoretical framework guiding this research study is Noopolitik which describes strategy adapted to the information age, as contrasted with the more traditional hard power approach of ‘Realpolitik, but allows for skillful policy makers to alternate between the two, especially when ‘Realpolitik’ proves ineffective. The basic premise of ‘Noopolitik’ is that public diplomacy increasingly takes centre-state in the practice of Diplomacy and that the definition of public Diplomacy should be broadened to prioritise local publics on an equal basis with foreign publics contrary to the past when foreign publics were prioritized. The findings of the study validated the guiding theoretical framework of Noopolitik, as 21stCentury Communication Technology has led to the convergence of national and global interests and multiplicity of actors both state and non state actors, all with a stake in diplomatic engagement. Kenya, which is the case study has adopted well to 21st century Communication Technology to strengthen traditional forms of diplomatic engagement and is increasingly adopting DPs in its service delivery to its citizens. The academic recommendations were that Kenyan Diplomacy be digitized for posterity and that further studies be done on how 21st century communication technologies will affect traditional diplomatic communication. My policy recommendation was for better collaboration and harmonisation between Ministries, Departments and Agencies charged with attaining diplomatic objectives on the platform of technology, and for greater investment in Data security and management, The study further makes policy recommendations for State collaboration with innovative Private sector entities engaged in Communication Technology