Hybrid negotiations in diplomacy

The emergence of public and then digital diplomacy marks important milestones in the development of international diplomacy. Modern diplomacy has become much more public, and this is largely due to the media and social media. We can also talk about a greater democratization of modern diplomacy, as public opinion has become more important in it.

The digitalization of diplomacy and the widespread use of social networks, instant messengers, video communications, and other electronic devices by diplomats have led to certain changes in the exercise of diplomatic influence and the conduct of diplomatic communications and negotiations. In general, all of these are, of course, positive and, in many ways, irreversible trends. At the same time, another truth becomes clear: no public means or digital technology can replace traditional face-to-face diplomatic negotiations. There are diplomatic negotiations in which public attention or publicity only hinders the achievement of a good agreement, and in negotiations via digital technologies, the parties often lack mutual trust.

In short, we can expect that in the future, diplomatic negotiations will be increasingly hybrid, that is, using both traditional and new, digital forms. Diplomacy will develop, but at the same time, it will maintain some of its basic properties.