The Role of Information and Communication Technologiesin Preventive Diplomacy in the West African Sub-Region

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have incredibly transformed the arena of diplomatic activities, ranging from exchange of information and ideas to pacific settlement of disputes. In this article, the authors undertook a panoramic assessment of the role of ICTs in preventive diplomacy in (the mainly theoretical context of)the West African sub-region. It is argued that ICTs, particularly the social media, have not only jettisoned the monopoly and secrecy of information associated with traditional diplomacy but have also, increasingly, involved the participation of non-state actors in diplomacy, including preventive diplomacy. Though the social media platforms potentially serve as veritable avenues for diplomatists to leverage on, they come with huge drawbacks, given the despicably prevalent cases of abuse of the Internet: hacking, spread of falsehood and hate speech as well as dissemination of propaganda and misinformation. However, diplomatic