Is It the Medium or the Message? Social Media, American Public Diplomacy and Iran

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Can’t use the file because of accessibility barriers? Contact us with the title of the item, permanent link, and specifics of your accommodation need.

Date

2012

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Global Media Journal

Abstract

This article discusses communication concepts associated with the practice of public diplomacy 2.0, applying those concepts to analysis of American implementation of PD 2.0 directed toward Iran, a country with which the United States has lacked formal diplomatic relations for more than 30 years. Although interaction between the United States and the Iranian people may be limited, may not always take place in real time, and certainly cannot serve as a substitute for the interactions facilitated by a bricks-and-mortar embassy on the ground, the Virtual Embassy Tehran and its social media accouterments represent an interesting application of American public diplomacy priorities. The effort is consistent not only with the goals of 21st Century Statecraft, but also with the Administration’s stated preference for engagement while still pursuing vigorous economic sanctions toward the Iranian regime. The effort also has potent symbolic value given the United States’ promotion of global internet freedom as a foreign policy goal. The case of American engagement with the Iranian people as examined here is a unique study in the practice of public diplomacy 2.0 and it offers an opportunity to test some of the more idealistic arguments associated with application of social media to diplomatic efforts.

Description

Keywords

Public diplomacy 2.0, social media, virtual diplomacy, Iran, U.S. foreign policy, 21st Century Statecraft

Citation

Metzgar, E.T. (2012). “Is It the Medium or the Message? Social Media, American Public Diplomacy and Iran.” Global Media Journal, 11(21). Available at: http://bit.ly/2y9NWof

Journal

DOI

Relation

Rights

Type

Article