The Information Age and Diplomacy

Abstract

Advances in the field of information and communication technologies have substantially affected most segments of our life, leading to the Information Age or Information Revolution. On both individual and state scale, 'information' has become a vital 'commodity' by which one measures levels of knowledge, skills, well-being, prosperity and development. This academic work traces the evolution of the Information Age and the emerging trends of diplomacy and politics in today's world. It signals potential opportunities and threats, while strategically forecasting current and future implications.

Including three major chapters, the work is divided into eleven significant themes. It reviews the emergence of knowledge-based societies and highlights their main features. The course of globalization, the worldwide Internet development, the consequences of restricting the flow of information, and the Revolution in Military Affairs are among the issues examined.

Also thoroughly treated is the evolution of diplomacy, with reference to information and intelligence gathering, analysis, and policy-making. The publication outlines the qualifications of diplomats and executives required at the present and coming stages of professionalism. In addition to examining contemporary traditional and non-traditional conflicts around the globe, it takes a look at U.S. hegemony policies in world affairs.

Certain cultural and social issues directly linked to the Information Age are dealt with as well. They refer to the growing importance of culture and identity awareness in an era of increasing social interdependence, and to the global evolution of languages and their use in everyday life and in current affairs.

The book concludes with a set of observations in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States. The observations point to particular notions and developments that influence our way of living, politics and diplomacy. Furthermore, specific analysis is made to the U.S. invasion in Iraq in March 2003 and to its consequences.

About the Author

Amir Dhia is a Ph.D. ‘summa cum laude’ graduate in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Center of Diplomatic and Strategic Studies (CEDS) in Paris. He also holds a Bachelor’s, and a Master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Baghdad, majoring in the language of politics and media. He has shared his time between Baghdad, Colorado, and Paris, working extensively in diplomatic missions, language and communication centers, and lecturing in universities. Dr. Dhia is passionate about political strategy, world affairs and information analysis.