Chapter 5: Diplomacy in the time of Corona

We have tried it for a while now. Day after day, we have to work from home and use digital tools to collaborate and host online events using Zoom, Teams, or Skype. The world does not stop turning just because of a pandemic.

The magazine, Digital Diplomacy, had an article on Medium on April 20, 2020, about how world leaders have moved traditional diplomacy online to various digital platforms like Twitter, Zoom, and Facebook (Sandre, 2020).

The same goes for other parts of the diplomatic corps. Diplomats worldwide have met online with their contacts and stayed in touch using the platforms mentioned above.

Technology has proven to be an asset in keeping the diplomatic wheels turning during this pandemic and shifting lockdowns worldwide. However, many diplomats also have experienced a steep decline in activity on representations around the world, including here in Copenhagen. Several Embassies have stopped pretty much all external activities, from campaigns to meetings with civil servants.

Hopefully, with a vaccine coming shortly, both Embassies and the people who work with them can look forward to more face-to-face time. Until then, diplomats are encouraged to continue expanding their use of Zoom and other digital platforms. It is the future for diplomacy, as they can stay in touch with each other without traveling too much.

The increased use of digital platforms has the added benefit that it can save the diplomatic missions money, open up for easier to move from bilateral relations into more multilateral connections, give diplomats more time with their families, and help protect the environment due to lower carbon emissions from travels. 2020 have seen a boost in digitalization of, among other, cultural events, making it possible for expats and diplomats to engage and find common interest quickly, without traveling or many meetings.