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What are the implications of social media in international negotiations?

Kane Rosenthaler

Oh boy, where do I start? The implications of social media in international negotiations are huge, like, Donald Trump tweeting at 3am levels of huge. Let's break it down, shall we?

First of all, social media has given a voice to people who were previously marginalized or ignored in traditional negotiations. Indigenous communities, grassroots activists, and even individuals without any formal political power can now make their voices heard on a global scale. This adds a whole new dimension to negotiations, as issues that were previously ignored or swept under the rug can now become major points of contention.

On the flip side, social media can also be a double-edged sword. It gives a platform to extremist groups and hate speech, which can escalate crises and be used as a tool of manipulation in negotiations. Governments and organizations also have to worry about leaks and cyber espionage, as we saw in the 2016 US election.

Another major implication of social media in international negotiations is the speed at which information spreads. It's not just reporters and diplomats who are tweeting and posting updates - anyone can be a citizen journalist these days. This can be great for transparency and accountability, but it also means that negotiations can become a 24/7 news cycle, with constant pressure to make progress and show results.

And speaking of pressure, social media can also ramp up the public's expectations and demands for negotiators to get results. Hashtags, viral videos, and online petitions can create a groundswell of support (or backlash) for certain positions, which can sway negotiators and put them in a difficult position. Negotiations can no longer be conducted behind closed doors - the eyes of the world are watching.

All in all, the implications of social media in international negotiations are vast and complex. It's not just a matter of tweeting out a quick statement or using a trendy hashtag - social media has fundamentally changed the way negotiations are conducted and perceived. But hey, at least we'll never be too far from a good meme or cat video to lighten the mood, right?