“My God, this is the end of diplomacy.” Such was the reported reaction of Lord Palmerston, British Prime Minister, on receiving the first telegraph message in the 1860s. Diplomacy has survived the telegraph as well as subsequent technological innovations, such as the radio, telephone, television, and faxes. Today, the Internet posses the main challenges for diplomacy.

Diplo focuses on three aspect of an interplay between Internet and diplomacy: Internet driven-changes of environment in which diplomacy is conducted; emergence of new topics on diplomatic agenda (Internet governance); and use of a new Internet tools in the practic of diplomacy (e.g. social media). Cumulatively the Internet is having a profound effect on the two cornerstones of diplomacy, information and communication.

E-diplomacy project addresses impact of the Internet on diplomacy through research, courses (online and in situ), policy discussions and publications

How can you participate?

• Join the online discussion on this website by posting comments. Connect with other members and share your ideas and experiences on e-diplomacy.
• Attend one of our forthcoming e-diplomacy awareness-building events around the world and the international conference on 20 years of e-diplomacy in Geneva in November 2012.
• Participate in the International Conference on  E-diplomacy (Geneva,  November 2012)

See also:

• Evolution of Diplo's activities: "20 years of e-diplomacy"
• Background information on e-diplomacy
• Mapping e-diplomacy
• Capacity development in e-diplomacy
• E-participation