Digital Diplomacy and the War in Ukraine - Oxford Digital Diplomacy Research Group
Channel: Matthias Lüfkens
Date: 21/03/2022

This panel and Q&A Discussion explores how the Ukrainian- Russia War has been shaped by digital technologies

The horrid War in Ukraine has been accompanied by intense use of digital technologies. Ukraine's besieged President has used Twitter to communicate with world leaders while employing Zoom to address global rallies. Through social media, Ukraine has created the world's first "IT Army" while Ukrainian ministers openly communicate with Tech CEOs and demand that Big Tech sanction Russia. At the same time, Russia has used digital technologies to spread disinformation and propaganda, while relying heavily on TikTok influencers. NATO's digital activities have focused on debunking Russian allegations, while increasing the Alliance's perceived readiness for combat.

This online panel, co-hosted by the Oxford Digital Diplomacy Research Group, and the Department of Communications at Ben Gurion University of the Negev, discusses how digital technologies are shaping the Ukraine War. The panel will examine the use of innovative technologies in the War as well as innovative usage of existing technologies. Moreover, the panel examines the innovative use of digital technologies by the Ukrainian government, while also identifying the digital tactics employed by Russia. 

Among other, participants discuss
- Ukraine's use of social media to challenge policies of Big Tech
- Russian disinformation goals
- NATO's digital response to the War
- How Wars play out on TikTok
- Gender and digital warfare
The event was recorded via Zoom.