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The implementation of the digital diplomacy of the United States, the UK, and China in Kenya

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  • Ong’ong’a Daniel Oloo

    (Mount Kenya University)

Abstract

This paper examines the digital diplomacy used by the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and China as great power rivals in Africa, focusing on Kenya. Digital diplomacy has arisen as an essential topic in communication studies, especially in international relations, political communication, and place branding. As a result, even though little is known about the current approach, challenges, and strategies of these significant actors, it has attracted scholarly interest in recent years. Due to social media's prevalence, diplomacy now requires transparency, public involvement, openness, and real-time communication. Through interviews with diplomats, the study compares the implementation of digital diplomacy employed by the three diplomatic players. While each of these diplomatic players may exhibit distinct digital profiles, the study reveals a fascinating interplay of complementarity among them, especially when confronted with shared global challenges such as climate change. Anonymity and managing interactions emerge as key concerns, with diplomats navigating the potential distortion of their messages and contending with anonymous negativity. Moreover, the study acknowledges the cross-cultural dynamics of digital diplomacy, necessitating adaptive strategies to bridge divides and resonate with diverse audiences. The implication of this study on practice points toward regular developing and updating the capacity of diplomats to identify the challenges created by new technologies such as artificial intelligence and human learning machines.

Suggested Citation

  • Ong’ong’a Daniel Oloo, 2024. "The implementation of the digital diplomacy of the United States, the UK, and China in Kenya," Place Branding and Public Diplomacy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 20(2), pages 180-191, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:pbapdi:v:20:y:2024:i:2:d:10.1057_s41254-023-00316-3
    DOI: 10.1057/s41254-023-00316-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mashood O. Omotosho, 2019. "Information Revolution and Growing Power of Communication: A Foundation of New Diplomacy," Jadavpur Journal of International Relations, , vol. 23(2), pages 142-157, December.
    2. James Pamment, 2018. "Foresight revisited: visions of twenty-first century diplomacy," Place Branding and Public Diplomacy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 14(1), pages 47-54, February.
    3. Nye, Joseph S., 2014. "The Information Revolution and Soft Power," Scholarly Articles 11738398, Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
    4. Corneliu Bjola, 2022. "Digital diplomacy as world disclosure: the case of the COVID-19 pandemic," Place Branding and Public Diplomacy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 18(1), pages 22-25, March.
    5. Luigi Di Martino, 2020. "Conceptualising public diplomacy listening on social media," Place Branding and Public Diplomacy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 16(2), pages 131-142, June.
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