An Investigation of the Practice of Digital Diaspora Diplomacy

Ethiopian Experience in Focus

Bibliographic Data

ID22007142
AuthorsMisgana Yifiru (0000-0002-4223-3166, Ambo University, corresponding author), Feyisa Gidisa (0009-0000-9865-8406, Ambo University)
Year2026
Volume16
Issue3
Publication date2026-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSAGE Open (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2158-2440 • E-ISSN: 2158-2440
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/21582440261462252
OpenAlexW7167818888
LanguageEN
References cited26

To preserve emotional and cultural ties with its expatriates, Ethiopia has made strong efforts to digitalize its diaspora diplomacy through the integration of digital platforms. Consequently, digital diaspora diplomacy has emerged recently as a key instrument for enhancing the country’s national interests through thwarting external interference and upholding global solidarity. This study examines how the Ethiopian government and diaspora communities use digital platforms to shape diplomatic narratives, aiming to promote the country’s national interests. The study adopts a qualitative case study approach and semi-structured interviews as a method of data collection. The finding reveals that by bridging the communication gaps that prevail between them and their country, digital platforms enhance the diaspora’s trust in their homeland. This trust enables them to emerge as key diplomatic actors who defend their country’s national interest at the global level, as exemplified over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and throughout the ongoing northern conflict. Digital platforms enabled diaspora communities to organize campaigns that addressed negative narratives and promoted Ethiopia’s firm positions on GERD, which the Ethiopian government defines as fair and principled. Diasporas were also committed to the stability and sovereignty of their country during the northern conflict, harnessing digital tools to challenge Western narratives and support Ethiopia’s right to self-determination. To enhance diaspora engagement in advancing the country’s national interests through digital diplomacy, the government should invest in digital infrastructure, adopt a diplomatic approach that recognizes the diaspora’s role in foreign policy and national development, and address internal security challenges and public sector unrest

Diaspora · Diplomacy · Focus group · Narrative · Public Diplomacy · Qualitative research · Sovereignty · African history and culture analysis · China's Global Influence and Migration · Diaspora, migration, transnational identity

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