The conflict potential of the international information space and digital diplomacy

The introduction of digital technologies into the political sphere intensifies international competition in the information space. The authors focus on studying the phenomenon of digital diplomacy as a new form of foreign policy interaction among states in the context of the transformation of the international information space. The analysis centers on the specifics of digital diplomatic practices, their instrumental arsenal, channels and formats of implementation, as well as their impact on the foreign policy agenda, the perception of state actors abroad, and the dynamics of information confrontation. Special emphasis is placed on identifying the relationship between the activity of states and their leaders in the digital environment and the formation of strategic narratives that provide competitive advantages in the struggle for the attention of the international audience. Digital diplomacy is considered not only as a technological innovation but also as a political-discursive strategy capable of constructing representations of reality, altering perceptions of foreign policy, and creating conditions for achieving foreign policy goals. The methodological foundation of the research is a situational approach, which allows for relating traditional and digital diplomacy and identifying the competitive advantages of this new type of diplomatic activity. The case study method enabled the examination of the use of digital diplomacy tools through the examples of contemporary political figures. As a result of the research conducted, it was established that digital diplomacy is an effective tool for shaping foreign policy image and influencing the international audience in the context of intensifying competition in the global information space. It does not replace traditional diplomatic mechanisms but significantly complements them, especially in aspects of public diplomacy, operational communication, and promotion of national interests. Digital diplomacy creates a new type of influence — discursive power — manifested through the control over the interpretation of events, meanings, and images in international politics. The use of AI, social networks, and digital platforms enables states to participate more actively in shaping global narratives, which becomes critically important in the context of informational confrontation. However, the widespread distribution of digital technologies also generates risks related to information manipulation and deepfakes. Thus, the ability to manage information flows becomes a strategic resource in 21st-century diplomacy.

digital diplomacy, information wars, new media, international information space, deepfakes, artificial intelligence, digital space, social media, discursive power, information confrontation