The Role of Social Media in Influencing Pakistan’s Foreign Policy (2018-2022)

Abstract

This research investigates the evolving role of social media in influencing Pakistan’s foreign policy between 2018 and 2022—a transformative period marked by the digitalization of public discourse and the rise of online political engagement. While traditionally foreign policy in Pakistan has been shaped by elite consensus and strategic interests, the emergence of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube have democratized the information environment, allowing citizens, activists, influencers, and civil society to participate more directly in debates about the country’s foreign affairs. The study begins with a historical overview of media influence in Pakistan, tracing the shift from state-controlled narratives to the dynamic and decentralized digital age. A central research problem emerges: how has social media reshaped the interaction between public opinion and foreign policy decision-making in Pakistan. The research identifies a significant gap in literature related to the impact of digital engagement on Pakistan’s foreign policy. Guided by a constructivist epistemology and grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Constructivism and Agenda-Setting Theory, the research employs a qualitative methodology. The data is gathered through content analysis of social media trends, public campaigns, and digital movements, supported by relevant case studies including Pakistan’s relations with the United States, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the public backlash against normalization with India and Israel. The research also examines how Pakistani diplomatic institutions, foreign ministries, and embassies engage with digital platforms to communicate policy, manage narratives, and respond to public sentiment. Findings reveal that social media has increasingly acted as both a platform for real-time public feedback and a mechanism for shaping diplomatic narratives. Hashtag activism, viral campaigns, and influencer discourse have pressured policymakers, amplified mass opinion, and contributed to a shift in how foreign policy decisions are debated and presented. While this enhances transparency and citizen engagement, it also introduces challenges such as misinformation, foreign propaganda, echo chambers, and public pressure leading to short-term or populist decisions at odds with long-term strategic goals.