1. Virtual Venues and International Negotiations: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic (Article by Corneliu Bjola and Michaela Coplen)

Drawing on a survey of diplomats with experience in virtual venue negotiation, we analyze respondents’ perceptions of efficacy, tactics, and legitimacy in these venues. We find that virtual venues not only affect the format, but also the substance of negotiations. In general, perceptions of efficacy are related to diplomats’ ability to ‘read the room’.

2. On the Metaverse: The Good, the Bad and Ugly (Ilan Manor Blog)

Winston Churchill famously defined diplomacy as the art of telling someone to go to hell in a way that he actually looks forward to the journey. In my comments today, I shall aspire to be diplomatic as I discuss both the advantages and risks posed by the metaverse.

3. Emotions and International Relations (Article by Simon Koschut)

The literature on this topic is so extensive that many even speak of an “emotional turn.” Its intellectual roots stem from various disciplines, such as psychology, neuroscience, sociology, history, and cultural studies, and this diversity is reflected in ongoing challenges of how to study emotions and their political effects in IR

4. Diplomacy & Technology, with Dr. Jovan Kurbalija (“Diplomacy, light” podcast, Episode #001)

“Diplomacy, light” podcast #001 is with with Dr. Jovan Kurbalija on the interplay of Diplomacy and Technology. The podcast was recorded on 14 March 2022.

5. Leaders Must Embrace Social Media (Lauren Hug’s Blog)

It’s become increasingly clear, though, that social media plays an outsized role in the dissemination of ideas and in influencing behavior change locally and globally. Like it or not, leaders can no longer afford to opt out of digital discourse because, as international relations scholar P.W. Singer and digital forensic researcher Emerson T. Brooking say in LikeWar: The Weaponization of Social Media, it’s where “battles for not just every issue you care about, but for the future itself,” are playing out.

6. Public Diplomacy Studies: ISA 2022 (ICOMM) Catch-up Panel

7. How to Terminate Russian Disinformation (CEPA)

Russia’s failed invasion of Ukraine can pave the way to ending the Kremlin’s weaponized disinformation against the West.