The Role of Social Media Platforms in Transforming Diplomatic Correspondence

Abstract

The study focused on examining the role of social media in transforming diplomatic  practices. The study used a qualitative research  design whereby in-depth interviews  (IDI) and secondary data were used in data collection. Simple random sampling  was used to select  the sample of five diplomatic missions and international  organizations engaged in the study. Content analysis was used to analyse data  gathered for this study. The study findings revealed that Facebook and Twitter were  the most used social media platforms for  communicating and interacting with the  diplomatic community. Findings unveiled that there is a clear indication that the  usage of social  media platforms in executing diplomatic functions among institutions  has brought some useful results. The study concludes that social  media has become an  important component that plays a significant role for diplomats to obtain relevant  information on different  aspects of economic, political and social development. The  study recommends that despite its importance, there is a need for embassies,  international organizations and honorary consulates to have an understanding of  the influence of social media on  enhancing interactions between states and non-state  actors in international relations and diplomacy.