Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 08/2014

Policy making in 140 characters or less: NATO and social media

Lucy Leiderman

May 2012

NATO Defense College

Abstract

New media, including web marketing, e-business and social media, is a rapidly growing method for organizations to engage with audiences around the world. With reports that e-business will double globally by 2016, the appeal of online products, services and information is increasing. Will these methods be useful for promoting public engagement with organizations like NATO or security policy think tanks? Moreover, are these methods appropriate for high calibre policy and research, or will they denigrate the information produced? And can the message be delivered in Twitter's allowable 140 characters?