The School of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts (SHSL) at SGT University, in collaboration with the School of Emerging Media, Communication, and Film Studies, hosted a compelling Diplomacy Dialogue on the theme “Digital Storytelling and Social Media Diplomacy”. The event convened leading scholars and experts to examine how technology-driven narratives are reshaping global diplomacy in the digital age.
The session opened with a welcome address by Dr. Nandini Basistha (Associate Professor, SHSL), who highlighted the critical role of digital narratives in influencing international perception and diplomatic communication. Dr. Debasis Bhattacharya, Dean, SHSL, further contextualised the theme, noting how digital platforms have fundamentally redefined statecraft and transformed the conduct of international relations in the 21st century.
Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Acharya, Department of Political Science and Director, Delhi School of Transnational Affairs, University of Delhi, delivered a thought-provoking talk on “Transformation of Diplomacy in the Digital Age”. Drawing on Henry Kissinger’s conception of diplomacy as the “art of restraining power,” he traced its evolution from traditional closed-door negotiations to the highly mediated digital environment of today. He emphasised that rapid information flows now compel governments to react instantly to global developments, while digital media increasingly shapes national image-building and diplomatic behaviour.
Speaking on “Digital and Social Media Diplomacy,” Dr. Sumedha Dutta, Assistant Professor of Sociology, South Asian University, introduced the idea of Twiplomacy, explaining how platforms like Twitter/X have become hubs of diplomatic engagement. Referencing scholars Jan van Dijk and Manuel Castells, she analysed how power circulates through digital networks and how strategic storytelling enhances legitimacy and soft power. She cited the Brexit campaign as a striking example of the political potency of digital narratives.
The final address, delivered by Dr. Abhishek Srivastava, Assistant Professor, Centre for International Politics, Organisation and Disarmament, Jawaharlal Nehru University, on “Narrative and Soft-Power Diplomacy,” explored the role of storytelling as a persuasive diplomatic tool. Drawing from Bhikhu Parekh’s interpretation of Gandhi, he explained how moral narratives historically functioned as instruments of resistance. Linking these ideas to Joseph Nye’s theory of soft power, he argued that influence in the digital era is shaped more by public discourse than official statements. Referencing Nelson Mandela’s prison writings and the Arab Spring, he observed: “Soft power is not what you say about yourself, but what others say about you on social media.”
The event concluded with a lively interactive session, as students and faculty engaged the speakers in discussions on the ethical, strategic, and communicative dimensions of digital diplomacy.
The Diplomacy Dialogue reaffirmed SGT University’s commitment to fostering critical inquiry into global affairs, offering a timely exploration of how storytelling and digital communication are transforming diplomacy into an interconnected world.
