New article published with Luk Swiatek Abstract Large-scale events are typically described as single, monolithic entities. In this paper, we argue that large-scale events actually comprise multiple sub-events or events-within-events and their online representations. We explore the theoretical implications of this shift in perspective for the study of audiences and event engagement through the lens …
Navigating uncertainty: public diplomacy vs. AI
Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com Some have heralded generative AI models as an opportunity to inform diplomacy and support diplomats’ communication campaigns. Others have argued that generative AI is inherently untrustworthy because it simply manages probabilities and doesn’t consider the truth value of statements. In this article, we examine how AI applications are built …
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Large-Scale Events and Soft Power
Another output of my project on events with Lukasz Swiatek is out: a book chapter in the second edition of The Routledge Handbook of Soft Power. In this chapter, we look at Expo 2020 Dubai and we make a twofold argument: first, that the events’ soft power is anchored in virtuosity and, second, that the events continue to …
Online Pre-Events During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Lukasz Swiatek and I have just published a new article in the International Journal of Communication about online pre-events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mega-events such as the Olympics and expo were postponed, prolonging the build-up phase of the events and providing the opportunity to organize pre-events. COVID restrictions and limitations on movement forced these pre-events …
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A short course on Digital Responsibilities
In April, I will be launching the C-Pod on Digital Responsibilities at Western Sydney University as part of the 21C Project . Curiosity Pods (typically 15 to 30 hours of student learning effort) are designed as bite sized learning available to all students at WSU regardless of the course they are enrolled in. I have …
As trust in social media crumbles, are these platforms still adequate for public diplomacy?
The tension of social media as both a liberating and constraining force has important implications for the study of digital communication in public diplomacy. The challenges and opportunities brought about by social media have been discussed in the third of a series of debates co-organized by the ISA's International Communication Section and the ICA's Public Diplomacy Interest Group. Lisa Tam of …
Early Career Scholars Debate on Public Diplomacy and Social Media
On the 7th of December, I will be charing the 3rd Early Career Scholars Debate, a joint event of the ICA Public Diplomacy Interest Group and the ISA International Communication Section. The debate will be held on the 7th of December at 8:00 AM London time, 11:00 AM Moscow time, 6:00 PM Brisbane time. Lisa Tam of the Queensland …
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Fear and empathy in international relations: Diplomacy, cyber engagement and Australian foreign policy
Just published in Place Branding and Public Diplomacy Abstract Emotions in international relations, as in human relations, are invisible but leave traces in the policy articulation. Such traces can reveal how emotional interpretations of the environment in which national states operate shape and frame certain policy and strategic choices. Drawing on the concept of the …
The Spectrum of Listening
It is generally agreed that listening is a critical component of any successful public diplomacy initiative. Listening has become particularly relevant with the introduction of social media platforms in public diplomacy, which has created new possibilities for governments to listen to and communicate with domestic and international audiences. In particular, data-driven approachesprovide diplomats with new …
Conceptualising public diplomacy listening on social media
Just published in Place Branding and Public Diplomacy. Read the full article (Abstract below). Abstract Public diplomacy consists of the public and interactive dimensions of diplomacy. Although listening is one of its core activities, public diplomacy scholarship has not yet engaged with listening theory. This paper connects public diplomacy scholarship with a new wave of …
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Luigi Di Martino 