Manahil Saqib
Social media acts as a powerful tool in framing various aspects of International Relations and Modern Diplomacy. In the era of digitalization, social media acts as an effective way for determining contemporary diplomatic relations. In the digital age, social media functions as a strong tool in building modern-day diplomatic relations. This concept of diplomacy has undergone sundry changes through the centuries, and the whole idea of diplomacy has evolved with time. Like any other state, Pakistan has witnessed the profound impact of digitalization of media and its impact on diplomacy. This article covers the major role of social media in determining the modern diplomatic relations in Pakistan.
Social media has played a vital role in eliminating the communication barrier between the state and its people. Government officials and Pakistani diplomats have now resorted towards social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to communicate with their audience domestically and internationally. These platforms offer a crucial role in shaping the overall dynamics of the state. Through these sites there’s a connection between the state and its citizens. For instance, government officials issue various statements via twitter to bridge the gap between the public and the state and to engage and update their audience on different matters and current affairs.
Apart from that, social media plays a significant role in maintaining a representation of the state; within the state and on an international forum. It acts as a source of soft power as it aims to spread the culture, customs, tradition, tourism, cultural heritage and economic opportunities for growth and development. With the pragmatic use of social media, the state can contribute a positive set down towards shaping its image globally and helps counter negativity and various stereotypes.
Apart from that, the idea of public diplomacy through social media can contribute towards shaping an optimistic image of Pakistan and can be significant in tackling socio-economic challenges, political chaos and can contribute towards global issues, like terrorism and climate change.
With the assistance of social media, it’s easier for the government officials to update about the current dynamics of the situation in case of a crisis and it serves as real-time diplomacy. The concept of real-time diplomacy is important because it prevents the spread of false information and propaganda. Furthermore, it prevents chaos among the citizens and is preferable for updating about the current crisis.
Regardless of the various advantages social media offers in terms of modern diplomacy, it still has its setbacks. For instance, the constant spread of misinformation and fake news, results in socio-political chaos and acts as a hurdle for diplomatic relations.it creates unrest and confusion between citizens of the state as propaganda spreads through social media and is a major problem for diplomacy. Furthermore, the digital division across the state also results as a barrier in the way of modern diplomacy. The digital divide in the country is one of the major problems for modern diplomacy. Unequal Access to the internet in the country is a major problem and needs to be looked upon by the state officials. rural areas are often an easy target for spread of misinformation and propaganda and it causes a major setback in modern diplomatic practices.
Though social media is an important aspect for leveraging diplomatic practices in Pakistan, its use is still critical in terms of foreign policy practices. Social media has become a powerful tool for Pakistani diplomats. It has empowered them to conduct real time diplomacy, resolve crises, provide accurate information and work on enhancing the aspects of soft power of the state. Even though diplomatic practices are beneficial for the state, it still has its own challenges. By overcoming these challenges, Pakistan can be successful enough to obtain a powerful position across the globe and strengthen its foreign policy practices and it can lead towards stability and prosperity of the state.
Writer is student of National Defence University, Islamabad.She can be reached at [email protected]
