Cyber, Digital, and Tech Diplomacy

This Brief addresses the intersection between diplomacy and cyberspace, with the chief aim of bringing conceptual clarity to an area that has become exponentially complex. Specifically, it proposes a novel categorization to organize this conceptual space into three interrelated domains: cyberdiplomacy, digital diplomacy, and tech diplomacy. The authors argue that these concepts - rather than used interchangeably - should be differentiated based on their orientation towards rationales of national security and norms for state conduct, dialogue and representation, and innovation and technological advancement, respectively. Underpinned by rigorous literature review, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and current examples from international politics, this Brief offers both an advanced introduction and contemporary guide to this topic.