An analysis of digital diplomacy in furthering South Africa’s foreign policy in a post-COVID-19 world

Abstract

Over the years, traditional concepts of diplomacy have undergone significant transformation, largely driven by globalisation, which has reshaped how states engage in diplomatic relations. The COVID-19 pandemic further compounded this shift by limiting physical diplomatic engagements and accelerating the reliance on digital tools for international communication and negotiation. In the case of South Africa, this shift presented both unique challenges and significant opportunities in leveraging digital diplomacy to advance its foreign policy objectives in the post-pandemic world. Despite the growing prominence of digital diplomacy across Africa, there is a distinct gap in research focused on how this form of diplomacy specifically operates within South Africa’s geopolitical and socio-economic context.

This study addresses this gap by investigating the role of digital diplomacy in South Africa’s foreign policy during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a qualitative research approach, the study involved in-depth interviews with academics and practitioners who have more than five years of experience in the fields of diplomacy and foreign policy. Thematic analysis of the interview data, framed through a soft power lens, highlights the potential for digital diplomacy to enhance South Africa’s international standing within the international system.

The findings reveal that digital diplomacy offers critical opportunities for South Africa, including enhancing direct communication with global actors, improving diplomatic responsiveness, and leveraging cultural diplomacy to reshape international perceptions, particularly through storytelling and digital engagement on platforms like social media. Furthermore, the digital realm provides South Africa with an avenue to strengthen its role in multilateral forums by fostering deeper regional cooperation and amplifying its leadership in addressing global challenges.

However, the study also identifies several key challenges that complicate South Africa’s adoption of digital diplomacy. These include the digital divide, which exacerbates unequal access to technology and hampers broader participation in digital diplomatic initiatives, as well as concerns over cybersecurity, misinformation, and risk of data privacy violations. Despite these challenges, the research underscores that digital diplomacy could play a transformative role in South Africa's foreign policy, enabling the country to navigate the complexities of the post-COVID world more effectively.