Diplomatic processes in the digital age: «net-diplomacy» and Kazakhstan’s image

Abstract

This article examines the problem of public diplomacy and the new “network diplomacy”, which is a current subject of research in the field of international journalism. Meanwhile, due to global “digitalization”, the concept of new forms of diplomacy in modern science is blurred. The authors of the article compare the term “net-diplomacy” with “twi-diplomacy” (X-diplomacy), “public diplomacy”, “digital diplomacy”, “mediated public diplomacy”, which allows to comprehend and evaluate its potential; the authors also pays special attention to the importance of building a positive image. Observation, comparison and mixed methods of the research were used. The authors used «qualitative analysis» also, thereby comparing new forms of diplomacy developing in domestic discourse with the method of US public diplomacy. The authors come to the conclusion that “network diplomacy” is a form of public diplomacy, a means of developing the national interests of the state and raising its image in the international arena. The practical significance of the article lies in introducing a new type of traditional diplomacy and its implementation, proper use of the new forms of diplomacy. The authors of the study prove that traditional diplomacy has undergone major changes in accordance with modern requirements. This article will be relevant and useful not only for political scientists and international relations specialists, but also for specialists in the field of journalism, communication and PR.