The Internet and politics: Citizens, voters and activists

This volume explores the nature of the Internet's impact on civil society, addressing the following central questions: Is the Internet qualitatively different from the more traditional forms of the media? Has the Internet demonstrated real potential to improve civil society through a wider provision of information, an enhancement of communication between government and citizen, or via better state transparency? Does the Internet pose a threat to the coherence of civil society as people are encouraged to abandon shared media experiences and pursue narrow interests?. In authoritarian states, does the Internet function as a beacon for free speech or as another tool for propaganda?. © 2006 Sarah Oates, Diana Owen and Rachel K.Gibson. All rights reserved.