Public diplomacy via Twitter: opportunities and tensions

Abstract

One important aspect of the 2019 Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement was its efforts to appeal to the international community for support. While political activists lobbied foreign governments, and overseas Hong Konger associations held rallies and other activities, many ordinary Hong Kong citizens intentionally participated in the “international front” through social-media-based public diplomacy. This article examines pro-movement public diplomacy via Twitter, identifying its common narratives and main targets. It also highlights the tension between bottom-up public diplomacy by ordinary citizens and elite-led lobbying work. Thus, the article demonstrates both the opportunities and challenges that social media have introduced to a networked social movement.