Digital Diplomacy in Azerbaijan: Lessons Learned and Future Opportunities

Abstract

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, as an OSCE member state, Azerbaijan has been building its independent diplomatic service to realize national interests. The expansion of the embassies and other diplomatic representations and the utilization of modern concepts of cultural diplomacy, digital diplomacy, multilateral diplomacy, and energy diplomacy have been integral parts of this process. This chapter studies the impact of modern technologies, social media, and communications on the evolution of diplomatic activities in Azerbaijan and the OSCE region. At the same time, it focuses on how digital diplomacy has changed how diplomats and foreign service officials communicate daily, conduct reporting and negotiations, assess the impact of their activities, and promote the country’s national interests, culture, and traditions. The effect of digital diplomacy on soft power, national branding, and public diplomacy is also analyzed using concrete examples and case studies from the daily activities and operations of the Azerbaijani embassies. The chapter also reviews the diplomatic training activities in Azerbaijan and how such tools as digital diplomacy and social media are taught to young diplomats to be used in their work. Active tools, such as data mining, business analytics, big data, crowdsourcing, cybersecurity, and others, are discussed.