We introduce strategic narratives as a framework to understand what is at stake in internation- al affairs. Attention to strategic narrative allows foreign policymakers to articulate their own intentions and interpret the intentions of others in a way that helps identify areas of potential cooperation. At a time of increasing global crisis and fragility, it is incumbent on foreign poli- cymakers to grab this opportunity with both hands. One tool for doing this is digital diploma- cy. We illustrate our argument through case studies of the Iran nuclear negotiations, Russia’s disruptive relations with the West, and an analysis of identity narratives in alliance settings.