International Relations Blogging 101: 5 Key Elements

International relations blogging is different from personal or corporate blogging in many regards. It requires a commitment and a level of analysis that many bloggers can coast by without. If you plan to write about international relations, it’s important to build foundations, both for your blog and for your content.

These five tips will help you build an effective international relations blog.

1. Educate Yourself: If you’re an expert in the field of international relations, much of the educational work is already done…but not all of it. When you’re an established expert, it’s all the more important that you don’t offer opinions off the cuff, but take the time to understand the nuances of your topic. If you lack the background and credentials, then you must take the time to build that foundation. Every issue that arises in the international relations arena is complex and intertwined with history, culture, and outside influences. Be sure you have a handle on the big picture before voicing a view on one small part of it.
2. Rely on Experts: Even if you are an expert yourself, your credibility and the value of the information and opinions you present will be enhanced by adding the voices of others who are established in the field, particularly those with niche expertise that’s applicable to a situation that’s unfolding.
3. Present Data: Simply voicing an opinion, especially if it’s a controversial one, may draw readers in. It may even sway some people and invite social shares. But it won’t help your credibility or allow you to build a meaningful voice in the long term. To establish yourself as an expert whose opinions bear consideration and whose content is worth sharing with the larger world, back up what you say with hard data, and be careful about whom you rely on. The Internet is a sea of “facts” that aren’t verifiable, and sources that raise eyebrows before the substance is even considered. Remember that you’ll be judged in part by the company you keep, and provide data from respected, trustworthy sources.
4. Be Cognizant of Different Cultures: By definition, any topic in the international relations arena involves the interests of at least two countries. That means two different sets of social values and cultural norms—sometimes radically different. Take care not to rely on assumptions based in U.S. culture, law, and social expectations. Not only will you overlook important elements of the analysis, you’ll also alienate readers with a broader world-view.
5. Connect with Influencers: Social media plays an important role in the discussion of international relations issues, and connects scholars, activists, and analysts from around the world. In particular, Twitter has become a gathering place for the politically-minded from numerous countries. Finding, following, and developing relationships with diverse influencers in you arena will do more than win you social shares—it will provide valuable information and insights from those with different experiences and knowledge bases.

Effective international relations blogging is not quick and easy, but with the right preparation, you can make your voice heard. If you need help researching, organizing and expressing your views, consider a professional content writer. It’s easy to get started, and we personally select the writer best suited to your project.

Tiffany S.

Tiffany abandoned the practice of law more than twenty years ago to write. Since that time, she’s written thousands of legal and marketing-related web pages and blog posts, ghostwritten two books, authored the first book about 80s pop rock icon Rick Springfield ever written with his cooperation, and published a romance novel. She still has millions of words politely waiting their turn in her head.