Posthuman diplomacy’? Practices of European diplomacy in the digital age

Digital technologies are transforming diplomatic practices. The negotiation of key texts is occurring in blended environments that involve a variety of digital tools, from WhatsApp to video-conferences and cloud-based archives. Traditional brick-and-mortar embassies are being complemented (and replaced) by virtual practices, chatbots and, in the case of Estonia, a data embassy. To what extent are these changes fundamentally transforming diplomacy, to suggest that diplomacy in Europe is going ‘posthuman’? Digital technologies are affecting the time and space of European diplomatic practices. An ever faster rhythm is making negotiations richer but not necessarily more inclusive. New digital sites of diplomacy are also challenging traditional diplomatic participation. The EU has contributed to level the playfield and keep diplomacy anchored in human decision-makers, but this approach is constantly challenged by the syrens of digital modernisation.