Revisiting Putnam's two-level game theory in the digital age: domestic digital diplomacy and the Iran nuclear deal. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bjola, Corneliu; Manor, Ilan
• Is Part Of: Cambridge review of international affairs. Volume 31:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: International law -- Periodicals; International relations -- Periodicals; 909.8205
• DOI: 10.1080/09557571.2018.1476836
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0955-7571

Abstract

Abstract: Few studies to date have investigated the impact of digitalization on Putnam's two-level game theory. Such an investigation is warranted given that state and non-state actors can employ digital tools to influence decision-making processes at both national and international levels. This study advances a new theoretical concept, Domestic Digital Diplomacy, which refers to the use of social media by a government to build domestic support for its foreign policy. This model is introduced through the case study of the @TheIranDeal twitter channel, a social media account launched by the Obama White House to rally domestic support for the ratification of the Iran Nuclear Agreement. The study demonstrates that digitalization has complicated the two-level game by democratizing access to foreign policy decisions and increasing interactions between the national and international levels of diplomacy.