Public Diplomacy in the Digital Age: How Türkiye Communicates with Global Audiences

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, there is an equal increase in demand for transparency. Most countries have dedicated channels that broadcast government proceedings, like the BBC Parliament in the UK, C-Span in the US, and TBMM TV in Türkiye. Coming into the digital age, these channels began streaming online on all social media platforms. This paints a picture of what diplomacy means for the current generation; how governments, including Türkiye, are quickly replacing closed-door negotiations for direct communication with global audiences.

Public diplomacy is defined as direct communication from states to foreign publics; a tool to influence perceptions, establish legitimacy, and cultivate trust. Prior to the digital age, governments focused their diplomacy through local media networks and cultural and educational exchange. Although the goals remain the same, as technology and accessibility improve, so must states adapt to a new, modern, audience-focused engagement strategy. Governments recognize the power that social media and digital technologies hold in creating narratives and influencing global perspectives, and this is used strategically as a form of soft power, catering to the same target audience through a more amplified approach.

Türkiye has long employed digital tools for public diplomacy efforts. Internationally, TRT World provides global news in English while TRT Arabic focuses more on regional audiences, both of which have a strong online and social media presence i.e. websites, YouTube, and TV broadcasting. The Yunus Emre Institute is our platform for cultural diplomacy, providing online language courses, virtual events, and promoting Türkiye through language, arts, and history, all accessible wherever the internet reaches.

Language is a crucial part of Türkiye's diplomacy, aligning with our historical role as the bridge between nations. The right tone and language choice hold the power to build credibility and counter stereotypes, a necessary safeguard in this age of over-information. Our viewers now include non-state audiences like foreign publics, NGOs, journalists, and influencers; those with the platform to shape opinions, pressure governments, and challenge narratives. As a student living in the UK, I see how Türkiye is perceived online, and I believe the government must pay attention to this to get the right messages across.

The world is moving faster than ever, and states must adapt to stay ahead. Watching this unfold in real-time, I become more and more passionate in becoming part of the conversation. I firmly believe that diplomacy is moving away from declaration towards dialogue and discussion, and through studies in IR and global communication, I hope to one day play a key role in shaping my country’s narrative.