Diplomacy and Technological Transitions: Experiences of Former Diplomats on the Impact of Communication Technologies in Diplomatic Practice
Author
Svensson, Lea Skovby
Term
4. term
Publication year
2025
Abstract
This thesis explores how the evolution of communication technologies has affected diplomatic strategies and structures from the perspective of former diplomats. Drawing on qualitative interviews with former ambassadors and a thematic analysis informed by Actor-Network Theory (ANT), the study treats technology as a co-actor within diplomatic networks. The analysis identifies five overarching themes and, taken together, shows that technological actants across diplomatic careers have influenced both the normative and operational dimensions of the field—from values and expectations to everyday practices. While many tools and routines have changed, interviewees emphasize that the core aims of diplomacy remain intact; consequently, structures have largely adapted through the addition and removal of actors and reconfigured hierarchies rather than being completely rebuilt. Micro-level experiences thus provide insight into meso-level shifts in diplomatic structures and reflections on meta-level paradigms. Because ICTs have broadly shaped strategies such as transparency, accessibility, and immediacy, the thesis proposes a partial—but not complete—paradigm shift in diplomacy.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan udviklingen i kommunikationsteknologier har påvirket diplomatiske strategier og strukturer set fra tidligere diplomaters perspektiv. Med udgangspunkt i kvalitative interviews med tidligere ambassadører og en tematisk analyse informeret af Actor-Network Theory (ANT) behandles teknologi som medvirkende aktør i diplomatiske netværk. Analysen identificerer fem overordnede temaer og viser samlet, at teknologiske aktanter på tværs af diplomaters karrierer har påvirket både diplomatiets normative og operationelle dimensioner – fra værdier og forventninger til daglige arbejdsformer. Selvom mange værktøjer og rutiner er ændret, understreger interviewpersonerne, at diplomatiets kerneformål er uændrede; strukturer er derfor primært blevet tilpasset gennem tilføjelse og fjernelse af aktører samt omkonfigurerede hierarkier frem for fuldstændig ombygning. Mikro-niveau erfaringer giver dermed indblik i ændringer på meso-niveau i diplomatiske strukturer og refleksioner over meta-niveau paradigmer. Da IKT bredt har præget strategier som gennemsigtighed, tilgængelighed og omgående respons, foreslås et delvist – men ikke fuldstændigt – paradigmeskift i diplomati.
[This apstract has been generated with the help of AI directly from the project full text]