The Impact of Globalisation on Diplomacy: How Intercultural Communication is affected by Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs)
The Impact of Globalisation on Diplomacy: How Intercultural Communication is affected by Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs)
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Date
2017-07-09
Authors
Cassius, Natoya
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Malta; DiploFoundation
Abstract
Diplomacy involves the art of conducting international relations between nations and is executed by diplomats. Diplomats represent the national interest of their respective countries and their success is dependent on their ability to foster intercultural relationships. Diplomacy requires constant engagement with culturally diverse groups; hence possessing intercultural competence is imperative to promoting effective communication. Communication is the driving force of diplomacy and the inability of the diplomat to communicate will render him inefficient and ineffective. Advances in communications technologies have changed the modes and means of communication creating a more interconnected world. This paper seeks to examine the globalised environment and the effects of ICTs on intercultural communication in the diplomatic realm. Inferring from data gathered from secondary sources such as textbooks, journals, articles and empirical studies, both a qualitative and a quantitative research methodology were used. This paper argues the potential benefits of using ICTs to surmount language and communication barriers. It addresses questions such as have ICTs improved the practice of diplomacy and diplomatic processes, and has their implementation reduced the importance of conventional diplomacy. The paper concludes that ICTs are beneficial to diplomacy in a progressively globalised environment, but have not reduced the
importance of conventional diplomacy.