Tech diplomacy and Critical Technologies: Case of the LEO satellite internet

Abstract

In recent years, a new dimension of International Relations has begun to emerge. It involves not only the traditional actors of diplomacy, but also fosters dialogue between states and the private tech industry. This new form of interaction is referred to as “Tech Diplomacy” or (increasingly) Techplomacy. This emergent way of practicing International Relations was spurred by the unprecedented influence induced by the giant Technological Companies. It seeks to engage those companies while taking into consideration the new power structures they shape, the geopolitics shifts they engender and the perspectives of the power games revolving around key technologies these firms own. In this paper, we shed light on the need to leap into a new era of conducting International Relations, recognizing the obsolescence of some of the existing diplomatic frameworks and embracing a complex reality for which we lack the codes. Among the Critical and Emerging Technologies, we case-study LEO satellite Internet, as an example. Its geopolitical implications are studied, some of the challenges that this technology carries are exposed and some of the limitations of the existing diplomatic tools are addressed in order to highlight the need for Tech Diplomacy. Consequently, a new way for practicing International Relations is put forward, steered by a new generation of diplomats who need to engage satellite internet industry in a complete different manner, and a roadmap for tech diplomats is propounded for the purpose of ensuring their country's national security, economic competitiveness and technological sovereignty.