COM3705
Assignment 3 Semester 1 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 23 May 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, INTRODUCTION
This assignment critically explores the concept of diplomacy and the role of
misinformation in shaping international relations, using the diplomatic fallout between
South Africa and the United States as a case study. The incident, which involves the
expulsion of South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool by US authorities following
controversial remarks and policy disputes, provides a real-world context to examine
key concepts in international communication. Drawing on prescribed readings by
Abdurahmanli (2021), Lenshie and Mohammed (2022), West and Bergstrom (2020),
and Zeng and Brenner (2023), the assignment begins by defining diplomacy and
identifying forms of diplomatic communication. It then analyses misinformation as it
relates to public statements on South Africa‘s land reform and Palestine position,
interrogating how such narratives distort international understanding. Furthermore,
the essay proposes appropriate diplomatic channels and practices that could have
prevented the breakdown in decorum. Overall, the analysis aims to demonstrate how
diplomacy and accurate communication remain vital in managing state relations.
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),
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 3 Semester 1 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 23 May 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, INTRODUCTION
This assignment critically explores the concept of diplomacy and the role of
misinformation in shaping international relations, using the diplomatic fallout between
South Africa and the United States as a case study. The incident, which involves the
expulsion of South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool by US authorities following
controversial remarks and policy disputes, provides a real-world context to examine
key concepts in international communication. Drawing on prescribed readings by
Abdurahmanli (2021), Lenshie and Mohammed (2022), West and Bergstrom (2020),
and Zeng and Brenner (2023), the assignment begins by defining diplomacy and
identifying forms of diplomatic communication. It then analyses misinformation as it
relates to public statements on South Africa‘s land reform and Palestine position,
interrogating how such narratives distort international understanding. Furthermore,
the essay proposes appropriate diplomatic channels and practices that could have
prevented the breakdown in decorum. Overall, the analysis aims to demonstrate how
diplomacy and accurate communication remain vital in managing state relations.
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),
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
