When people think of digital diplomacy, they think of government tweeting. It is not what it is. That is public diplomacy.

In this quote, Jared Cohen, a former U.S. Department of State official and expert in digital diplomacy, distinguishes between digital diplomacy and public diplomacy. He points out that when people think of digital diplomacy, they often equate it with governments using social media platforms, like Twitter, to communicate with the public. While tweeting and online communication are part of the larger picture, Cohen argues that this is not the full scope of digital diplomacy—it is more accurately categorized as public diplomacy, which typically involves the government engaging with the public to promote its interests and policies.

Cohen’s statement highlights the complexity of digital diplomacy and its broader goals. Digital diplomacy refers to the use of digital tools and technologies to engage with foreign governments, influence international relations, and advance a country’s foreign policy objectives. It encompasses much more than just social media outreach, involving a range of digital platforms and strategies aimed at diplomatic relations, international collaborations, and global partnerships. Public diplomacy, on the other hand, is focused primarily on building relationships with the public and shaping opinions, often through media and direct engagement.

The distinction Cohen draws between digital diplomacy and public diplomacy is important because it clarifies the different roles these two concepts play in international relations. While public diplomacy can help shape the image of a government abroad, digital diplomacy is about using the power of digital tools to create strategic, direct channels of communication between governments and other international actors. Cohen’s clarification helps to deepen the understanding of how digital technologies are revolutionizing diplomatic practices and not merely providing a platform for public communication.

The origin of this quote is tied to Cohen’s extensive work in the field of digital diplomacy, particularly his efforts to understand how emerging technologies can be harnessed for foreign policy and global engagement. As someone deeply involved in the intersection of technology and international relations, Cohen often spoke about how digital diplomacy is reshaping traditional notions of diplomacy, focusing on more sophisticated and multifaceted approaches to global communication and influence.