+27662594903 UNISAPRO
This document is the intellectual property of its creator and is intended for personal study use only. Any form of
reproduction, redistribution, copying, or commercial use without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Unauthorized use may result in legal action. By purchasing or accessing this material, you agree to respect the
author’s copyright and use it solely for individual learning purposes.
, +27662594903 UNISAPRO
QUESTION 1
THE DIGITAL SQUARE AND THE DIPLOMATIC TABLE: NAVIGATING MODERN
STATECRAFT IN SOUTH AFRICA–US RELATIONS
INTRODUCTION
The digital turn in international relations has fundamentally transformed the way states
communicate, negotiate, and mobilise public opinion. In particular, the evolving
dynamics between South Africa and the United States over tariffs and trade measures
illustrate the increasing role of social media in shaping diplomatic engagement. Social
media now serves as a parallel stage to traditional embassies and negotiation rooms,
amplifying messages, exerting pressure on decision-makers, and influencing public
perception in real-time. This development, often referred to as digital diplomacy, has
introduced both opportunities and risks for statecraft. This essay explores the role of
social media in modern diplomacy, with specific reference to South Africa–US
relations, by defining social media within the context of international relations,
analysing its role in the recent tariff dispute, evaluating appropriate and inappropriate
uses by governments, and emphasising the continued importance of formal diplomatic
channels.
SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
In international relations, social media refers to digital platforms, including Twitter,
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, that facilitate rapid, interactive
communication between governments, foreign publics, media organisations, and non-
state actors. When used strategically, this digital engagement is often called digital
diplomacy or e-diplomacy, and it allows states to pursue foreign policy objectives,
manage national image, conduct public diplomacy, and collect real-time intelligence.
Unlike traditional diplomatic instruments such as official statements or confidential
correspondence, social media allows instantaneous messaging, multimedia
presentation, and direct engagement with audiences at home and abroad. Scholars
emphasise that digital diplomacy is not merely a communication tool but represents a
distinct arena of international engagement where states can exercise soft power,
This document is the intellectual property of its creator and is intended for personal study use only. Any form of
reproduction, redistribution, copying, or commercial use without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Unauthorized use may result in legal action. By purchasing or accessing this material, you agree to respect the
author’s copyright and use it solely for individual learning purposes.
This document is the intellectual property of its creator and is intended for personal study use only. Any form of
reproduction, redistribution, copying, or commercial use without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Unauthorized use may result in legal action. By purchasing or accessing this material, you agree to respect the
author’s copyright and use it solely for individual learning purposes.
, +27662594903 UNISAPRO
QUESTION 1
THE DIGITAL SQUARE AND THE DIPLOMATIC TABLE: NAVIGATING MODERN
STATECRAFT IN SOUTH AFRICA–US RELATIONS
INTRODUCTION
The digital turn in international relations has fundamentally transformed the way states
communicate, negotiate, and mobilise public opinion. In particular, the evolving
dynamics between South Africa and the United States over tariffs and trade measures
illustrate the increasing role of social media in shaping diplomatic engagement. Social
media now serves as a parallel stage to traditional embassies and negotiation rooms,
amplifying messages, exerting pressure on decision-makers, and influencing public
perception in real-time. This development, often referred to as digital diplomacy, has
introduced both opportunities and risks for statecraft. This essay explores the role of
social media in modern diplomacy, with specific reference to South Africa–US
relations, by defining social media within the context of international relations,
analysing its role in the recent tariff dispute, evaluating appropriate and inappropriate
uses by governments, and emphasising the continued importance of formal diplomatic
channels.
SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
In international relations, social media refers to digital platforms, including Twitter,
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, that facilitate rapid, interactive
communication between governments, foreign publics, media organisations, and non-
state actors. When used strategically, this digital engagement is often called digital
diplomacy or e-diplomacy, and it allows states to pursue foreign policy objectives,
manage national image, conduct public diplomacy, and collect real-time intelligence.
Unlike traditional diplomatic instruments such as official statements or confidential
correspondence, social media allows instantaneous messaging, multimedia
presentation, and direct engagement with audiences at home and abroad. Scholars
emphasise that digital diplomacy is not merely a communication tool but represents a
distinct arena of international engagement where states can exercise soft power,
This document is the intellectual property of its creator and is intended for personal study use only. Any form of
reproduction, redistribution, copying, or commercial use without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Unauthorized use may result in legal action. By purchasing or accessing this material, you agree to respect the
author’s copyright and use it solely for individual learning purposes.
