This article takes the emergence of tech diplomacy as the motivation for an investigation into shifting relationships between traditional diplomatic actors and non-state actors. The observation that ‘new diplomatic actors’ and new diplomatic venues have led to a ‘new kind of diplomacy’ dates back to at least the 1990s. In the area of Internet Governance, digital topics are addressed through a variety of multistakeholder models. The article investigates discourses on tech diplomacy, broadly understood, by focusing on how traditional diplomatic actors discursively frame their relationship with multinational tech companies and how these frames might depart from previous perspectives. In doing so, it analyses the relevant strategies of selected countries (Australia, Denmark, Germany, Malta, Switzerland, and the UK) and the views of tech diplomacy practitioners. The frames identified by the article range from a focus on established multistakeholder models to suggestions of a more fundamental shift in the relationship. As a theoretical lens to grasp these shifts, the article suggests a ‘recognition game’ between traditional diplomatic actors and multinational tech companies. Thus, what the article calls ‘tech diplomacy beyond established multistakeholderism’ emerges as one attempt to address the rising power of tech companies.
Policy implications
- Tech diplomacy is one way for governments to react to shifting power dynamics due to the impact of digital technology on all spheres of life and the rising power of tech companies.
- There is a diversity in terminology and approaches to tech diplomacy. Governments interested in developing their own tech diplomacy strategies are faced with the decision whether to align themselves with the tech diplomacy discourse established by the Danish Foreign Ministry or to build on other terminology, for example by placing greater emphasis on terms such as digital diplomacy or cyber diplomacy.
- Tech diplomacy discourses range from a close alignment with established multistakeholder practices to approaches that foreground big tech companies as key stakeholders. Governments need to be clear on what circumstances and aims necessitate which particular approach.
- Tech diplomacy approaches often focus on dialogue with the tech sector, such as the Cyber and Tech Retreat or the so-called ‘Playground Initiative’, and cooperation with the tech sector in selected policy fields. Initiatives like these are ideal starting points for governments wishing to engage in tech diplomacy.
Photo by Tha Dah Baw