International Studies Journal (ISJ)

International Studies Journal (ISJ)

The Analysis of the Changing Nature of Diplomacy in the Light of Metaverse Expansion

Document Type : Original Article from Result of Thesis

Authors
Fereshteh Bahramipoor 1
Ali Omidi 2
Ghodrat Ahmadian 3
1 Department of Political Science, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
2 Associated Prof. at the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
3 Associated Prof. at Political Science Department, Faculty of Social Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
10.22034/isj.2025.466342.2195
Abstract
The digital revolution has significantly impacted global politics, including international negotiations and diplomacy— traditionally regarded as highly conservative within human affairs. These domains must adapt to the emerging realities of digital life. The metaverse, as the fourth generation of the web, is still in its early stages, yet is already transforming the nature of diplomacy and diplomatic processes. This study explores the future transformations that diplomacy may encounter within the metaverse environment as well as the opportunities and challenges it presents for diplomacy. Drawing upon a technological instrumentalism framework and employing descriptive-analytical methodology with desk study and online sources, the findings demonstrate that the expansion of the metaverse worldwide leads to a reduction in the costs of diplomatic activities, resolution of disputes over negotiation locations, continuity of diplomatic processes in times of crisis, environmental benefits through reduced pollution, increased roles for multiple actors in diplomatic processes, enhanced cultural diplomacy, and the overcoming of language barriers. Nevertheless, the metaverse also poses significant challenges in areas such as security, privacy, and the proliferation of misinformation, thereby affecting the future of diplomacy.

Highlights

Introduction
Technology and the digital realm have increasingly become the dominant dimensions of human life, introducing massive transformations across political, social, economic, and cultural spheres. Internet, mobile phones, and computer systems provide opportunities for instant access to new information and the smooth transmission of written, audio, and visual messages. The world is transitioning from Web 3 to Web 4, also known as the metaverse era. The metaverse is an ambiguous yet highly attractive environment that has garnered the attention of both general users and major political and economic actors. In the foreseeable future, the metaverse may significantly complement or transform the current internet and Web 2 and 3 technologies. It is a three-dimensional digital space that integrates advanced technologies with both real and simulated aspects of human life. In other words, virtual interactions become more akin to tangible ones.

Diplomacy has always been influenced by emerging technologies. As states endeavor to maximize their interests, they seek to leverage the opportunities afforded by new technologies—such as streamlined communications, the shaping of public opinion and training diplomats—to advance political and economic objectives. This research seeks to understand the impact of metaverse on diplomacy and its potential to reshape diplomatic practices. Relying on a technological instrumentalism framework, I hypothesize that the global expansion of the metaverse will drive the diplomats and leaders of the world to conduct substantial aspects of their diplomatic endeavors within this virtual space. Soon, major embassy functions, bilateral and multilateral diplomatic talks, commercial and political interactions, and involvement of non-state actors in diplomatic processes possibly take place in the metaverse.

 

Methodology
This study employs a technological instrumentalism framework and a descriptive-analytical approach through desk study and internet sources to answer the primary research question.

 

Findings
The digital revolution has considerably influenced global politics, including international negotiations and diplomacy. As traditionally conservative spheres of human activity, these must adapt to evolving digital realities. While the metaverse, often considered the fourth generation of the web, remains in its nascent stage, it is already redefining diplomacy and diplomatic processes. Metaverse embassies, for instance, can assist in various functions, such as visa issuance. The metaverse’s highly mobile and flexible environment eliminates protracted, peripheral, and resource-draining disagreements, allowing participants to focus on essential issues and reach outcomes quickly. Even under crisis conditions—such as war or widespread epidemics—this environment enables continuity of dialogue. Beyond times of crisis, metaverse-based diplomacy can also yield multiple advantages, including environmental preservation through reduced travel.

On the one hand, hosting online conferences and other meetings in the metaverse is more straightforward and convenient for diplomats, enabling time and cost savings, particularly regarding security and travel. Additionally, it broadens communication channels for non-state actors—especially the general public—allowing them to share knowledge, viewpoints, and cultural values. Moreover, the metaverse can help surmount language barriers and facilitate communication across diverse nations and cultures. By enabling interactions unbounded by time and place, it accelerates cultural exchange, which in turn extends cooperation into economic, political, security, and other areas.

Despite these considerable benefits, the metaverse also poses challenges and concerns for diplomacy. These include legal and protocol complications, cybersecurity risks, privacy threats, manipulation by major technology corporations, and the spread of disinformation. Establishing reliable authentication mechanisms and secure channels of communication—particularly to guard against fraud and deception by bots and other malicious actors—is therefore essential. Overall, the successful implementation of metaverse diplomacy requires preserving its core human element. In contrast to traditional diplomacy, which primarily involves human actors, and AI-driven diplomacy, which is technology-oriented, metaverse diplomacy offers an arena where both humans and technology collaborate. Modern diplomacy, rather than serving solely as the personal emissaries of a state, should increasingly represent the broader public interest of each country.

 

Results
International relations and diplomacy, as fundamental realities of the global landscape, have always been shaped by technological advancements. Each of the five technological revolutions has witnessed the transformation and redefinition of these concepts. Unlike previous revolutions, the fifth revolution (metaverse) has a cognitive nature because it is underpinned by an unprecedented synergy between human and machine intelligence. This transformation integrates sensory dimensions into artificial intelligence, thereby enriching the human experience in ways previously unimaginable.

Today, foreign ministries, embassies, and diplomats utilize various digital technologies to pursue their objectives. With growing digitalization, international negotiations have become more complex in multiple dimensions, exposing negotiators to new challenges and opportunities. As a result of the metaverse’s rapid pace and wide-reaching influence, diplomats and diplomatic institutions are already exploring this environment. They can harness its potential to expand interactions, host meetings and conferences, carry out embassy responsibilities, reduce travel costs and environmental pollution, expedite peacebuilding processes, manage international crises, foster trust and transparency, provide forums for both state and non-state actors—including marginalized groups—to participate in discussions, leverage cultural diplomacy, overcome linguistic barriers, and enhance overall communication.

Nonetheless, diplomats must confront the challenges arising from the proliferation of the metaverse, such as legal limitations, data breaches, misinformation, infringements on privacy, fraud, and the exploitation by tech giants. Addressing these issues requires four key measures: (1) strategic policy development by diplomatic institutions; (2) specialized training for diplomats; (3) expanded and strengthened hardware and software infrastructures for the metaverse; and (4) engagement of technical, social, political, cultural, and economic experts in metaverse governance, aligned with national interests and the pursuit of greater power.

Keywords
Communication
Diplomacy
Technology
Metaverse
Extended Reality

Subjects

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