Re-Evaluating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations: Vis a-Vis Digital, Legal Challenges and Modern Contemporary Diplomatic Practices

Abstract

This thesis examined the need to re-evaluate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) vis-à-vis digital, legal challenges and modern diplomatic practices. The fundamental objective of this research was to identify the gaps in the conventions framework and structure that have been failing to address escalating threats from digital surveillance, cyber espionage and virtual diplomatic operations, which have been undermining traditional immunity privileges and reciprocity. The objectives included: initially, a comprehensive analysis of the conventions pertinent provisions on immunity, inviolability and communication; secondly, an examination of emerging state practices and incidents in the modern world of diplomacy that have involved cyber-attacks on diplomatic missions; thirdly, a comparative review of adaptive frameworks in cyber diplomacy that have been adopted by states that are exceedingly doing well in the virtual diplomacy era. The methodology was qualitative, drawing information and data from, treaties, reports by states, United Nations reports and publications, renowned journals, case laws and cyber incident databases. The summation of this research unveiled the shortfalls of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations while acknowledging the changes that can be put in place in order to steer its full equipment with modern day practice