DefinePK

Research Objective

To explore the extent to which Twitter diplomacy by the UAE and Saudi Arabia can influence mainstream American and British media coverage of four significant political topics: the Qatar diplomatic crisis, the Yemeni war, Iran, and the Muslim Brotherhood, and to examine its advocacy potential.

Methodology

Qualitative descriptive methodology utilizing a combination of data collection techniques and qualitative analysis methods, including critical discourse analysis and elite interviews. Data sources included tweets from selected Emirati and Saudi Twiplomats between 2015 and 2019, and secondary data from US and UK media publications. Locus Elite software was used for sentiment analysis, interactions, and tweet count.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Data Collection: Tweets & Media Publications"] --> B["Qualitative Analysis: Critical Discourse Analysis"];
    B --> C["Quantitative Analysis: Locus Elite Software"];
    C --> D["Elite Interviews"];
    D --> E["Analysis of Findings"];
    E --> F["Conclusion & Recommendations"];                    

Discussion

The study found that while Twitter diplomacy is a growing tool, its effectiveness in managing media crises for the UAE and Saudi Arabia in Western media is limited. The research highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of language, framing, and agenda-setting in digital diplomacy. The findings suggest that a multi-faceted approach to public diplomacy, incorporating traditional and social media strategies, is crucial for shaping global perceptions.

Key Findings

Twitter diplomacy alone is insufficient to address Western media crises and polarization. The most followed and active Twiplomats are not necessarily the most influential. Conservative media outlets offered more balanced coverage of Emirati and Saudi tweets compared to mainstream media, which often focused on sensational aspects. Supplementary public diplomacy tools are recommended.

Conclusion

Twitter diplomacy is a valuable component of public diplomacy but cannot single-handedly overcome media crises and polarization faced by the UAE and Saudi Arabia in American and British mainstream media. The study underscores the need for a broader range of public diplomacy tools and a deeper understanding of how language and discourse shape international perceptions, aligning with liberal and constructivist theories of international relations.

Fact Check

1. The study analyzed tweets from 2015 to 2019. (Confirmed by text)
2. Dr. Anwar Gargash had 130,038 interactions and 15.33 million impressions. (Confirmed by text)
3. Prince Khalid bin Salman had 176,054 interactions and 18.90 million impressions. (Confirmed by text)

Mind Map