Advancing Media Diplomacy, Narrative Power & Strategic Influence
Media Diplomacy Studies (MDS) is a specialised research, policy and strategic engagement platform dedicated to advancing the study and practise of media diplomacy, strategic communication, narrative power, perception management, public diplomacy and international image projection. Operating at the intersection of media, diplomacy and international relations, MDS examines how states, institutions and societies communicate identity, build credibility, shape international perceptions and exercise influence in an increasingly complex global information environment. Through research, policy dialogue, publications, high-level convening and scholar-practitioner engagement, MDS seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s and Africa's capacity to communicate credibly, engage strategically and participate more effectively in the global contest for ideas, narratives and influence.
Media Diplomacy Studies
RESEARCH • POLICY • STRATEGIC INFLUENCE
Deepening understanding of media, diplomacy, international relations and sovereign communication architectures.
Annual Diplomacy Day 2026
National strategic dialogue convening diplomats, ministers, scholars and media directors in Abuja.
Strategic communication, bilateral briefings & envoy diplomacy.
Authentic image projection & countering external narrative bias.
Algorithmic influence, deepfakes & digital diplomatic reach.
Annual Diplomacy Day, multilateral roundtables & communiqués.
About Media Diplomacy Studies
Bridging Scholarship, Policy & Practice Across Nigeria and Africa
Deepening Understanding of Media & National Power
Media Diplomacy Studies (MDS) is a specialised research, policy and strategic engagement platform envisioned on deepening understanding of the increasingly important relationship among media, diplomacy, strategic communication, international relations and national power. Its work focuses particularly on media diplomacy, public diplomacy, state and international broadcasting, narrative power, credibility, national image, artificial intelligence and emerging communication technologies, examining how these forces shape perceptions, relationships and influence within the contemporary international system.
Moving Beyond Externally Constructed Narratives
MDS brings together scholarship, policy and practice through research, publications, high-level dialogues, institutional partnerships, capacity development and scholar-practitioner engagements. Its central concern is how Nigeria and Africa can move beyond being predominantly subjects of externally constructed narratives towards developing the institutional credibility, intellectual capacity and communication architecture to speak for themselves and engage the world more strategically. Through initiatives including Annual Diplomacy Day, MDS seeks to create sustained platforms for engagement among diplomats, policymakers, scholars, media leaders, strategic communicators, cultural institutions, the private sector and other actors whose work shapes national reputation and international influence.
Policy Research & Scholarship
Generating rigorous empirical policy briefs, working papers, and perception audits to guide government ministries, foreign missions, and broadcast authorities on international communication strategy.
High-Level Convening & Dialogue
Serving as a neutral, trusted platform convening ambassadors, ministers, editors, and scholars through our flagship Annual Diplomacy Day and closed-door ambassadorial roundtables.
Strategic Communication Architecture
Strengthening domestic and regional capacity in crisis communication, sovereign messaging, international broadcast diplomacy, and countering algorithmic disinformation.
Research & Studies
Specialised Thematic Research Programmes at the Intersection of Media & Diplomacy
Media Diplomacy & Statecraft
Examines how foreign ministries and diplomatic missions utilize press briefings, multilateral media events, and digital broadcast channels to negotiate bilateral agreements and articulate foreign policy objectives.
Narrative Power & Perception Management
Investigates the mechanisms of international image projection, perception audits, and strategies for overcoming systemic historical biases in global news coverage of Nigeria and the African continent.
Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Media
Explores the geopolitical implications of algorithmic news delivery, deepfake technology, automated influence campaigns, synthetic media, and generative AI in international diplomacy and security.
State & International Broadcasting
Assesses the strategic reach and modernization of state broadcast institutions (NTA, Voice of Nigeria, FRCN) and compares their international transmission models against global public diplomacy broadcasters.
Public Diplomacy & National Image
Studies cultural diplomacy, diaspora communication networks, foreign student exchanges, and strategic trade image projection to enhance sovereign credibility across international capitals.
Geopolitics & Information Sovereignty
Investigates information warfare, cyber-diplomacy, cross-border digital surveillance, and policy frameworks necessary for developing nations to defend their digital and informational sovereignty.
Scholar-Practitioner Engagement Network
MDS brings together university professors, diplomatic correspondents, career foreign service officers, and communication executives to collaborate on applied foreign policy research.
Publications & Policy Briefs
Actionable Analysis for Envoys, Ministries & Media Leaders
Digital Sovereignty & State Media Diplomacy: Architectures for African Narrative Power
Strategic recommendations on restructuring state broadcast satellite capabilities, editorial autonomy, and international digital newsroom syndication.
Artificial Intelligence, Deepfakes & Diplomatic Protocol: Emerging Vulnerabilities in Foreign Communications
Empirical investigation into synthetic audio/video manipulation in international relations and guidelines for diplomatic authentication.
Global Perception Audit: African Foreign Policy & Economic Statecraft in International Headlines
Content analysis of coverage across 40 leading international news outlets, measuring sentiment, narrative framing, and sovereign credibility.
Official Communiqué: Inaugural Annual Diplomacy Day Set for 20 November 2026 in Abuja
Official announcement of the national strategic dialogue on media diplomacy, statecraft, and global influence hosted at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre.
Annual Diplomacy Day 2026
Convening ambassadors, ministers, media directors, and strategic communicators to shape Nigeria’s and Africa’s global narrative power.
"THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS…"
Annual Diplomacy Day 2026
Diplomacy is no longer confined to embassies. In today's interconnected world, nations compete through ideas, perception, influence, strategic communication and the power of their global narratives.
Building Influence. Shaping Narrative. Advancing Sovereignty.
Official Summit Banner Slot
PLACEHOLDER: Annual Diplomacy Day Official Banner"National Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy, State Media Diplomacy and Global Influence"
20 November 2026
Friday · 09:00 AM WAT Prompt
Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre
One Memorial Drive, CBD, Abuja, Nigeria
500+ High-Level Delegates
Ministers, Envoys, Media Directors & Scholars
Why Attend
Learn from Seasoned Practitioners
Gain direct insights from foreign policy architects, ambassadors, and broadcast directors.
Network with Diplomatic Corps
Connect with members of foreign missions, government ministers, and international correspondents.
Founding National Tradition
Participate in the inaugural edition establishing Nigeria's annual public diplomacy summit.
Master Sovereign Narrative Power
Understand how modern state media, digital platforms, and strategic messaging protect national credibility.
Featured Speakers
[Keynote Speaker Placeholder]
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
[Diplomatic Corps Chair Placeholder]
Diplomatic Mission, Abuja
[State Media Director Placeholder]
State Media Authority
[International Law Scholar Placeholder]
NIIA Institute
Expected Programme
Registration Opens Soon
Registration is not open yet. Official delegate accreditation guidelines and seating tiers will launch soon. Submit your details for early access, to: info@mediadiplomacy.org.ng
Partners & Institutional Sponsors
Partnership opportunities available
Frequently Asked Questions
Fellows & Leadership
Dr. Mkpe Abang
PhD in International Relations & Diplomacy · Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations
Dr. Mkpe Abang holds a PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy. Founder of Media Diplomacy Studies, he advances scholarship in state media diplomacy, narrative power and international influence. His intellectual authority draws upon over three decades of distinguished experience in journalism, publishing, strategic communication and public relations practice. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
Contact Secretariat
Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Media Diplomacy Studies (MDS) Liaison & Strategic Secretariat
http://mediadiplomacy.org.ng/
Institutional inquiries, research partnerships & summit accreditation.
Submit Institutional Inquiry
Inquire about research collaborations, policy advisory briefings, scholar-practitioner fellowships, or institutional summit participation.