ABSTRACT
The fact that peripheral states can obtain influence through prestige mobility realises the vision of many international organisations which seek to create an international community. This chapter seeks to examine the relationship between online and offline prestige and to investigate whether digital diplomacy creates conditions in which states may offset prestige deficits. It analyses both offline and online networks of diplomatic institutions, specifically networks of United Nations (UN) Missions on Twitter. The studies offer initial insight into how online and offline prestige may be measured. Studies have found that when communicating online, diplomats prioritise four target audiences, or epistemic communities: media institutions, think tanks, policy makers, and the diplomatic milieu including multilateral institutions. Online prestige differs from offline prestige as important diplomatic institutions may also attract followers from epistemic communities, or stakeholders that are relevant to diplomacy including journalists, media institutions, and multilateral institutions such as UN-related bodies.
