Virtual Diplomatic Summitry

Abstract This chapter discusses the rise of virtual diplomatic summitry and situates it in the digitalization of diplomacy. Virtual diplomatic summitry refers to the diplomatic summit meetings that are conducted through technologies for virtual interaction, such as video-conferencing tools, and that take place partly or completely in virtual venues. Virtualization has been embraced as a solution to sustain institutionalized routines of summitry in the face of disruptions. However, some researchers challenge the adoption of digital tools and use of virtual interaction, arguing that digitalization in this form may result in lost nuances, risk interpersonal relationships, and influence positions of power—all of which are imperative to high-levelled diplomacy. Diplomatic summitry has changed in character and constellation over time and the rise of virtual summits therefore warrants a rethinking of its future role and form in diplomacy. A relational perspective is proposed that focuses on the entangled role of virtualization and digitalization in diplomacy and can inform future analyses of virtual diplomatic summitry alongside and in combination with other forms of diplomatic practice.