UWI researcher Candia James conducts pioneering research on network diplomacy
By Joel Henry
Vietnamese diplomat and author Professor Tran Van Dinh wrote in his work Communication and Diplomacy in a Changing World: "Communication is to diplomacy as blood is to the human body. Whenever communication ceases, the body of international politics, the process of diplomacy, is dead, resulting in violent conflict or atrophy."
And although he was writing in the 1980s, the importance of communication to the relationship between states has never been greater than it is today, with the explosion of information and communications technology in the modern world.
Tran’s statement has also influenced a researcher at The UWI St Augustine’s Institute of International Relations (IIR), Dr Candia James. A recent PhD graduate, James’s exciting research is being called a paradigm shift in diplomacy. Her paper, Network Diplomacy: A Social Network Analysis of Network Communication in Diplomatic Networks, is poised to reshape the way we understand and practise diplomacy in our interconnected world, scholars say.
In a world that faces daunting challenges such as climate change, non-communicable diseases, cybersecurity threats, and pandemics, network diplomacy can be a much-needed evolutionary step for navigating relationships between societies for the benefit of everyone.
What is network diplomacy? According to Dr James, “it can be defined as a process that broadens the scope of diplomatic engagement, incorporating a wide array of non-state actors and harnessing modern communication tools and strategies to address complex global challenges.”
Diplomacy, as it is traditionally practised, is the work of diplomats and other agents of a state, operating with the authority of the states they represent. For most of us, it’s a world we encounter usually through news articles, spy novels, and political thriller films. Network diplomacy “extends the circle”, says Dr James.
That circle can include, “non-state entities such as NGOs, multinational corporations, advocacy groups, academic institutions, and individuals” she states.
Dr James points out, however, that network does not supplant traditional diplomacy, but compliments it.
Scholars are excited by the way her research takes advantage of the greater connection between people across the globe.
“In an era characterised by unprecedented connectivity, diplomatic relations have extended beyond traditional state actors to include a vast array of non-state actors and transnational networks,” says Dr Georgina Chami, coordinator of the postgraduate programme and a lecturer at IIR. “Network diplomacy is the key to bridging the gap between these diverse stakeholders.”
Dr Chami, who is also Dr James’s research supervisor, believes that her “ground-breaking findings have not only advanced our understanding of network diplomacy, but also have practical implications for diplomats and policymakers seeking to navigate the complex landscape of modern international relations.”
In her research, Dr James focuses on the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC), and the Caribbean Youth Environmental Network (CYEN), two organisations deeply enmeshed in diplomatic activities within CARICOM. Employing a blend of quantitative and qualitative research techniques, she gathered empirical data from the HCC and CYEN members. This data served as the foundation for her in-depth analysis of the communication networks that underpin their operations.
“In the quantitative phase,” she explains, “I employed social network analysis (SNA), a methodology that delves into the intricate connections and interactions within a network, providing a valuable lens to unravel relationships, information flow, and influence dynamics.”
Her “research population”, she says, exceeded 300 people.
It was arduous and time consuming work. And, it has paid off. Not only has Dr James graduated with her PhD, she has also attracted the attention of international scholars in the field. In April 2024, she will be a member of the "Emerging Scholars in Public Diplomacy" panel at the International Studies Association (ISA) Convention in San Francisco, California. She was invited to the panel by Professor Rhonda Zaharna, a scholar in intercultural and international strategic communication at American University in Washington DC.
This achievement is particularly gratifying to Ms James because Professor Zaharna has had a major impact on her research.
“Professor Zaharna had a profound influence on my work, particularly in shaping the methodology and framework of my research on network diplomacy,” she says.
The professor allowed James to not only use, but modify her communications network model to fit the requirements of her research. This collaborative spirit was “instrumental in customising the model to better suit the Caribbean research context I was exploring”, the researcher says.
Dr James, whose academic career began in the field of Communication Studies before moving on to International Relations at IIR, also spoke of Dr Chami’s influence.
“She played a pivotal role in influencing my work by providing valuable guidance and support throughout my academic journey,” she says.
James credits Dr Chami with introducing her to IIR’s research culture, advocating on her behalf with the university, providing her with motivation and encouragement, and helping her project planning, and giving her the freedom to explore and choose her research topic.
Looking forward to the International Studies Association conference next year, Candia James says she feels a deep sense of gratitude for her achievements and those that have helped make them possible. She may also have another achievement on the horizon - a book.
“I am excited to share that a well-known publishing house has expressed a keen interest in publishing a book on the same subject matter as my research,” she says. “Currently, I am diligently working on a proposal for this esteemed publishing house, which represents an opportunity to disseminate my research findings to a wider audience.”
She also plans to continue her network diplomacy research, and wants to contribute to academia by teaching and mentoring students. “Sharing knowledge and fostering the intellectual growth of the next generation of scholars and diplomats is a role I am eager to embrace.”
However, just as diplomacy can evolve, she is aware that her life plans can evolve as well.
“I remain open to exploring new opportunities as they arise. The world of diplomacy and academia is ever-changing, and I am prepared to adapt and contribute to this dynamic landscape in meaningful ways.”
Traditional diplomacy: relies heavily on government-to-government communication through formal channels such as embassies, consulates, and official correspondence.
Network diplomacy: leverages the interconnectedness of the digital age, by utilising social media, online platforms, and other informal channels.
Traditional diplomacy: involves interactions between nation-states and their official representatives, such as diplomats, ambassadors, and foreign ministers.
Network diplomacy: engages with a wider range of actors – civil society organisations, advocacy groups, NGOs, and other non-state actors.
Traditional diplomacy: deals with intergovernmental issues, such as treaties, trade agreements, and security matters.
Network diplomacy: tackles complex global challenges that transcend borders and require co operation among multiple actors, such as climate change, human rights, cybersecurity, and global health.
Traditional diplomacy: frequently top-down, with government officials making decisions and enforcing regulations on behalf of the state.
Network diplomacy: encourages a more inclusive and participatory approach to policy-making.
