https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/104237 2026-04-15T13:53:23Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141954 Title: Reforming Suriname's foreign ministry : leveraging digital diplomacy for strategic advancement in a globalized world Abstract: This thesis explores how the Surinamese Foreign Ministry could use digital diplomacy strategically to modernize its operations and expand its international reach. Suriname remains dependent on traditional structures in a world where diplomacy is heavily influenced by digitalization, limiting its ability to effectively participate in modern diplomatic interactions. Using a qualitative and mixed-methods approach, consisting of comparable case studies, interviews and policy analysis, this study identifies institutional, technological and human resources obstacles that are currently blocking digital transformation within the ministry. The theoretical framework combines classic and modern diplomatic theories, such as realism, liberalism, computational diplomacy and post-internationalism. Case studies serve as examples of how small states can use digital tools for diaspora-engagement, public diplomacy, cyber security and consular innovations among others. The findings will serve as a diagnosis for Suriname, revealing shortcomings in strategic coordination, ICT infrastructure, digital competence, service provision structures, and they will also form the basis for detailed realistic reform recommendations, such as the establishment of a Digital Diplomacy Strategy and a Digital Diplomacy Directorate, training of diplomats, reinforcement of cyber security and modernization of consular and diaspora services. This thesis offers both academic insights and a practical policy framework to support Suriname’s digital diplomatic transformation. Description: M. CD(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138414 Title: Impact of gender imbalanced driven diplomacy of the small states : a case of Namibia Abstract: This research explores the impact of gender imbalance-driven diplomacy on the foreign policy strategies of small states, with a particular focus on Namibia. In an era where gender equality is gaining prominence globally, the study investigates how gender disparities within diplomatic roles influence the international standing, decision-making, and diplomatic engagement of smaller nations. Through a detailed examination of Namibia’s diplomatic history and current practices, this research analyses the presence and role of women in Namibia's foreign policy and the extent to which gender considerations shape its diplomatic priorities and international relations. The research highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by gender imbalances in the diplomatic corps, exploring how such disparities may affect Namibia’s international collaborations, development policies, and global image. By employing qualitative methodologies, including interviews with key diplomatic figures and analysis of government documents, the study provides insights into the broader implications of gender dynamics within small state diplomacy, offering recommendations for enhancing gender inclusivity and effectiveness in international affairs. This research contributes to the growing discourse on the intersection of gender and diplomacy, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive approaches in shaping the diplomatic future of small states like Namibia. Description: M. CD(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138413 Title: The impact of digital diplomacy on economic and public diplomacy : the case of Botswana Abstract: Diplomacy in the 21st Century has evolved due to effects of globalisation as well as technological advancements which have effected change in most administrative services and other sectors of the economy be it health, agriculture among others. As a consequence of these technological advancements, modern day diplomatic practice has moved towards a more digital approach in its functions, this is known as digital diplomacy or e-diplomacy. Digital diplomacy involves the use of the internet and social media for achieving foreign policy objectives This dissertation aims to examine the extent to which diplomats from the developing country of Botswana have adopted digital diplomacy to drive their economic and public diplomacy agenda to achieve their foreign policy. It explores how diplomats, are taking advantage of how digital diplomacy is used to communicate as well as promote national interests to advance trade and investment activities while also communicating with the national and foreign publics. In digital diplomacy, the internet and its tools are used to carry out negotiations, promote national interests to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), tourism, as well as advance soft power initiatives through activities such as promotion of arts and culture, educational exchanges, and musical talents. The advancements have led to a slight shift from the traditional of face- to -face negotiation towards the use of virtual meeting platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams to deliberate agendas at the bilateral, regional or multilateral level, as well as to promote trade and investment opportunities. This revolution gained more traction during the COVID-19 pandemic which saw international forums such as the United Nations General Assembly being held virtually. While the change in diplomatic practice is noted particularly in the developed countries and to some extent developing countries it is worth questioning whether African diplomats are at the same level when it comes to digital diplomacy and if they using the platforms to drive their foreign policy agendas, particularly economic and public diplomacy initiatives to advance economic development. Description: M. CD(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138411 Title: Graphic diplomacy : a visual armory for diplomatic resilience in the age of cognitive warfare Abstract: This research emerges from the urgent recognition of NATO's cognitive warfare doctrine and its implications for human autonomy. NATO's commitment to deploying AI technology threatens to compromise the critical thinking capacity of adversarial sovereign nations, including their non-combatant populations. Critical thinking remains indispensable for civilizational advancement, so this research examines historical and contemporary defensive strategies. Diplomacy's traditional reliance on unspoken (non-dit) communication protocols, encompassing subtle signals, gestures, and implicit meanings, offers insights into human cognitive resilience. Contemporary research validates the effectiveness of visual argument mapping in critical thinking education and negotiation outcomes. The archaeological discovery of ideograms - non-verbal symbols - in paleolithic Europe reveals humanity's earliest cognitive tools, suggesting visual thinking's fundamental role in human intelligence. This study investigates how ideograms might augment critical thinking and whether their combination with visual mapping strengthens human reasoning capacities. Supporting evidence from the hemispheric hypothesis and dual coding principle in cognitive science reinforces these possibilities. The methodology is applied to analyze three contemporary cases: the US Office of National Intelligence, Harvard's Program on Negotiation, and the Ukrainian War. Through a visual thinking reimagination of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, this research demonstrates that while cognitive warfare methods are new, their underlying principles are not original. The study concludes that cultivating visual thinking offers a resilient shield against the Damoclean sword of cognitive warfare, potentially averting civilizational suicide through enhanced cognitive defense mechanisms. Description: M. CD(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z