The Global War for Internet Governance
by Laura Denardis (Author)
A groundbreaking study of one of the most crucial yet
least understood issues of the twenty-first century: the governance of the
Internet and its content The Internet has transformed the manner in which
information is exchanged and business is conducted, arguably more than any
other communication development in the past century. Despite its wide reach and
powerful global influence, it is a medium uncontrolled by any one centralized
system, organization, or governing body, a reality that has given rise to all
manner of free-speech issues and cybersecurity concerns. The conflicts
surrounding Internet governance are the new spaces where political and economic
power is unfolding in the twenty-first century. This all-important study by
Laura DeNardis reveals the inner power structure already in place within the
architectures and institutions of Internet governance. It provides a
theoretical framework for Internet governance that takes into account the
privatization of global power as well as the role of sovereign nations and
international treaties. In addition, DeNardis explores what is at stake in open
global controversies and stresses the responsibility of the public to actively
engage in these debates, because Internet governance will ultimately determine
Internet freedom.
