Peace and Conflict Research Group: ‘Diplomatic Representation and Online/Offline Interactions: Multilateralism on and from Social Media?’ – Elsa Hedling

Title: ‘Diplomatic Representation and Online/Offline Interactions: Multilateralism on and from Social Media?’

Author: Elsa Hedling

Abstract:

European Union (EU) external representation in third countries is performed by both the member states and by the EU delegations. This hybrid system of representation is enacted through both formal and informal practices of combining bilateral relations with multilateral cooperation. As social media are increasingly important channels of state representation, these practices also take place online. This paper explores how the member state embassies and the EU delegation perform EU representation on social media in their practices of digital diplomacy and to what extent coordination online influence offline interactions. It investigates the practices of coordination and maps emerging routines of  EU multilateralism on and of  social media. The United States’ capital provides a context of both strong bilateral relations and of member state interests in defending multilateral cooperation in light of anti-EU sentiments during the Trump administration. The study draws on observations in the Washington Twittersphere between 2019 and 2021 and reflections from diplomats that engage in EU multilateral representation on social media, collected through an online survey and interviews. The findings contribute to advance our understanding of the role of digital diplomacy as competent performance in multilateral representation and its subtle influence on everyday interactions in diplomatic practice.

Peace and Conflict Research Group (PCR)

The field of peace and conflict conducts interdisciplinary research to advance knowledge about war, conflict management and peacebuilding.

The cluster group on peace and conflict research (PCR) conducts several research projects on a broad range of issues related to conflict analysis, democracy, ethics, war, peacebuilding, security, reconciliation, identity, conflict resolution, gender and peace negotiations.

The researchers focus both on global patterns as well as regions and countries, such as Western Balkans, Asia, European Union, Middle East, Northern Ireland, Sweden and Denmark.

To the webpage for Peace and Conflict Research Group at Political Sciences, Lund University.