COM3705
Assignment 3
PORTFOLIO
Semester 2 2025
Due 29 October 2025
,COM3705
Assignment 3
Semester 2 2025
DUE 29 October 2025
PORTFOLIO
Contents
Question 1: International Relations ................................................................................. 3
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 3
1.2 Defining Social Media and Example of U.S. Use in Tariff Communication ............. 4
1.3 Appropriate Situations for Governments or Presidents to Use Social Media ......... 5
1.4 Formal Diplomatic Communication and Its Application .......................................... 6
Question 2: International Communication Media ............................................................. 8
2.1 Developments in International Radio Broadcasting and Their Influence ................ 8
2.2 Prominent International Radio Broadcasting Stations and Their Impact ................ 9
2.4 The Impact of Nollywood on Nigeria .................................................................... 12
2.5 Media Imperialism in South Africa: Theory, Impact, and Contemporary Relevance
................................................................................................................................... 14
Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 18
Reference List ............................................................................................................... 19
, Question 1: International Relations
1.1 Introduction
International relations are shaped by a complex network of communication, negotiation,
and public diplomacy. In recent decades, the rise of digital communication and social
media has altered how states project their image, engage with foreign publics, and
manage diplomatic interactions. South Africa’s evolving relationship with the United
States provides a relevant example of how traditional diplomacy intersects with modern
communication tools.
The article SA President Hopeful Over Progress in US Relations highlights President
Cyril Ramaphosa’s optimism about improved relations between South Africa and the
United States. His comments reflect the transition from informal, often volatile
communication through platforms like Twitter—particularly under former U.S. President
Donald Trump—to structured diplomatic negotiations. This shift underscores the tension
between digital diplomacy and formal diplomacy, both of which now coexist as
essential mechanisms of international engagement (Mutisya, Maluki & Adar, 2024).
Contemporary diplomacy operates within what Achieng, Kiamba and Kagwanja (2024)
call the new public diplomacy paradigm, where communication technologies enable
more direct interaction between governments and foreign audiences. However, this
accessibility also introduces challenges of credibility, misinterpretation, and the blurring
of formal communication boundaries. The South Africa–U.S. case thus illustrates how
states navigate both traditional diplomatic institutions and emerging digital
channels to sustain international cooperation in a digitally mediated environment.
Assignment 3
PORTFOLIO
Semester 2 2025
Due 29 October 2025
,COM3705
Assignment 3
Semester 2 2025
DUE 29 October 2025
PORTFOLIO
Contents
Question 1: International Relations ................................................................................. 3
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 3
1.2 Defining Social Media and Example of U.S. Use in Tariff Communication ............. 4
1.3 Appropriate Situations for Governments or Presidents to Use Social Media ......... 5
1.4 Formal Diplomatic Communication and Its Application .......................................... 6
Question 2: International Communication Media ............................................................. 8
2.1 Developments in International Radio Broadcasting and Their Influence ................ 8
2.2 Prominent International Radio Broadcasting Stations and Their Impact ................ 9
2.4 The Impact of Nollywood on Nigeria .................................................................... 12
2.5 Media Imperialism in South Africa: Theory, Impact, and Contemporary Relevance
................................................................................................................................... 14
Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 18
Reference List ............................................................................................................... 19
, Question 1: International Relations
1.1 Introduction
International relations are shaped by a complex network of communication, negotiation,
and public diplomacy. In recent decades, the rise of digital communication and social
media has altered how states project their image, engage with foreign publics, and
manage diplomatic interactions. South Africa’s evolving relationship with the United
States provides a relevant example of how traditional diplomacy intersects with modern
communication tools.
The article SA President Hopeful Over Progress in US Relations highlights President
Cyril Ramaphosa’s optimism about improved relations between South Africa and the
United States. His comments reflect the transition from informal, often volatile
communication through platforms like Twitter—particularly under former U.S. President
Donald Trump—to structured diplomatic negotiations. This shift underscores the tension
between digital diplomacy and formal diplomacy, both of which now coexist as
essential mechanisms of international engagement (Mutisya, Maluki & Adar, 2024).
Contemporary diplomacy operates within what Achieng, Kiamba and Kagwanja (2024)
call the new public diplomacy paradigm, where communication technologies enable
more direct interaction between governments and foreign audiences. However, this
accessibility also introduces challenges of credibility, misinterpretation, and the blurring
of formal communication boundaries. The South Africa–U.S. case thus illustrates how
states navigate both traditional diplomatic institutions and emerging digital
channels to sustain international cooperation in a digitally mediated environment.
