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.
View Research Programmes →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.
Explore Annual Diplomacy Day →Strategic Communication Architecture
Strengthening domestic and regional capacity in crisis communication, sovereign messaging, international broadcast diplomacy, and countering algorithmic disinformation.
Read Policy Briefs →Collaborate with our Research & Advisory Secretariat
Inquire about institutional partnerships, diplomatic advisory briefings, or research fellowships.