The implications of the fourth industrial revolution on diplomacy

Abstract: Diplomacy has succeeded historical events and industrial revolutions. However, the impacts of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) threaten to be more wide-spanning and destructive than any other industrial revolution. The study explores the implications of 4IR on the theory and practice of diplomacy. The study is guided by three research questions: how does 4IR impact diplomacy; what technologies trigger a change in diplomacy; and do costs act as a barrier to states? Making use of qualitative methods, through the exploration of primary and secondary data, the study explores 4IR’s implications on diplomacy. The implications are categorized into five pillars which are considered integral aspects of diplomatic theory and practice. The pillars are communication, interdependence, domestic and international frameworks, new ‘new’ diplomacy and diplomatic functions. The study concludes that diplomacy may be impacted by 4IR in all five pillars of diplomacy. 4IR may not diminish the practice of diplomacy but rather complement it. A highly digitized diplomacy with cyber tools may result in a more efficient and effective type of diplomacy. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and information and communication technologies are the key drivers of change in diplomacy...M.A. (Politics and International Relations