COM3705
Assignment 3 PORTFOLIO Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 23 May 2025
QUESTION 1: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – DIPLOMACY AND MISINFORMATION
1.1 Introduction
Diplomacy plays a vital role in shaping peaceful international relations through dialogue and
negotiation. However, diplomacy can be derailed by misinformation—false or misleading
information that influences public opinion and policy decisions. This essay explores a
diplomatic breakdown between the United States and South Africa following the expulsion of
Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. US Secretary Marco Rubio and former President Donald
Trump made controversial public remarks about South Africa‘s land policy and its genocide
case against Israel, sparking diplomatic tensions. These comments, widely viewed as
misinformation, created a rift between the two states. The essay will define diplomacy and
misinformation, analyse how the situation reflects a failure in diplomatic conduct, and
propose more appropriate diplomatic channels. The importance of accurate international
communication, formal diplomacy, and avoiding misinformation is emphasised through
reference to prescribed sources including West and Bergstrom (2020), Zeng and Brenner
(2023),
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
Assignment 3 PORTFOLIO Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 23 May 2025
QUESTION 1: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – DIPLOMACY AND MISINFORMATION
1.1 Introduction
Diplomacy plays a vital role in shaping peaceful international relations through dialogue and
negotiation. However, diplomacy can be derailed by misinformation—false or misleading
information that influences public opinion and policy decisions. This essay explores a
diplomatic breakdown between the United States and South Africa following the expulsion of
Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. US Secretary Marco Rubio and former President Donald
Trump made controversial public remarks about South Africa‘s land policy and its genocide
case against Israel, sparking diplomatic tensions. These comments, widely viewed as
misinformation, created a rift between the two states. The essay will define diplomacy and
misinformation, analyse how the situation reflects a failure in diplomatic conduct, and
propose more appropriate diplomatic channels. The importance of accurate international
communication, formal diplomacy, and avoiding misinformation is emphasised through
reference to prescribed sources including West and Bergstrom (2020), Zeng and Brenner
(2023),
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
