Strategic Narrative: 21st Century Diplomatic Statecraft

We introduce strategic narratives as a framework to understand what is at stake in international affairs. Attention to strategic narrative allows foreign policymakers to articulate their own intentions and interpret the intentions of others in a way that helps identify areas of potential cooperation. At a time of increasing global crisis and fragility, it is incumbent on foreign policymakers to grab this opportunity with both hands. One tool for doing this is digital diplomacy. We illustrate our argument through case studies of the Iran nuclear negotiations, Russia’s disruptive relations with the West, and an analysis of identity narratives in alliance settings.