Contrary to those predicting a foreign policy coup d'etat, diplomacy is unlikely to soon wither away. In truth, the hypermedia tools that have empowered the non-governmental domain are likely to be as relevant to the diplomatic realm. Thus, although it is likely to experience profound change, diplomacy will survive the current hypermedia environment and, in fact, will probably thrive in it. To fully realize the potential of the new technologies, diplomats will have to recognize that a different communications environment is emerging and that its emergence will have a profound impact on statecraft. The diplomatic world is becoming much more complex and diversified as it conforms to the new realities prompted by the sheer growth in the number of actors operating in the international sphere.
Governments too can harness the power offered by the information revolution.
Information has always been an important element of state power, and computers and communications technologies allow states to access, store and use information as never before.