The Politics of the Internet 5 Democracy and the Internet Does the Internet promote democracy? Does the Internet promote democracy? Traditional thesis.

The Politics of the Internet The Politics of the Internet 55

Democracy and the InternetDemocracy and the Internet Does the Internet promote democracy?Does the Internet promote democracy?

Traditional thesis – Internet and globalization Traditional thesis – Internet and globalization spread the market and democratic values.spread the market and democratic values.

Force a choice between “free market vanilla Force a choice between “free market vanilla and North Korea” (Thomas Friedman).and North Korea” (Thomas Friedman).

Complicated to decide what the real effects of Complicated to decide what the real effects of the Internet are.the Internet are.

Do authoritarian rulers just have to bow down Do authoritarian rulers just have to bow down to the unstoppable forces of free information?to the unstoppable forces of free information?

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Thinking about the Internet and Thinking about the Internet and

democracydemocracy Key questions.Key questions. What are the specific effects of the Internet What are the specific effects of the Internet

in non-democratic countries?in non-democratic countries? Does the Internet necessarily enhance the power Does the Internet necessarily enhance the power

of citizens against non-democratic governments?of citizens against non-democratic governments? Does the Internet necessarily promote openness?Does the Internet necessarily promote openness? Are authoritarian governments unable to use the Are authoritarian governments unable to use the

Internet for their own ends?Internet for their own ends? Is the usual way of thinking about these things Is the usual way of thinking about these things

(democracy activists vs. authoritarian (democracy activists vs. authoritarian governments) sufficient to explain what is governments) sufficient to explain what is happening?happening?

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Struggles over informationStruggles over information

Need to think about 2 quite different sets of Need to think about 2 quite different sets of factors.factors.

(1) Direct battles between Internet activists and (1) Direct battles between Internet activists and authoritarian governments.authoritarian governments. The Internet may not lead to instant democracy – but it The Internet may not lead to instant democracy – but it

does give new weapons both to democratic does give new weapons both to democratic activists/outsiders and authoritarian governments.activists/outsiders and authoritarian governments.

Battle for democracy is often a battle over Battle for democracy is often a battle over information/public perceptions.information/public perceptions.

Why authoritarian governments almost never have a free Why authoritarian governments almost never have a free press.press.

The Internet transforms this battle – and how democracy The Internet transforms this battle – and how democracy activists and the government fight with each other.activists and the government fight with each other.

(2) Indirect transformative effects on civil society.(2) Indirect transformative effects on civil society. Internet may create a new set of relationships – which are Internet may create a new set of relationships – which are

more difficult for the state to control.more difficult for the state to control. May have both positive and negative consequences.May have both positive and negative consequences.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5The weapons of choiceThe weapons of choice

Democracy activists/citizens.Democracy activists/citizens. Often find it easier to organize among themselves.Often find it easier to organize among themselves. ““Hacktivism” as a form of civil disobedienceHacktivism” as a form of civil disobedience Have new ways to spread information domestically.Have new ways to spread information domestically. Have new ways to get information to outside world.Have new ways to get information to outside world.

Governments.Governments. Have defensive measures.Have defensive measures.

Can block websites/trace email/nationalize InternetCan block websites/trace email/nationalize Internet Have offensive measuresHave offensive measures

Can use Internet themselves – spread info/hack networks.Can use Internet themselves – spread info/hack networks.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Naïve beginnings …Naïve beginnings …

First flush of enthusiasm about the First flush of enthusiasm about the Internet.Internet.

Belief that it would spread democratic Belief that it would spread democratic values and topple tyrants values and topple tyrants (Cyberlibertarianism).(Cyberlibertarianism).

True not only in developed world but even True not only in developed world but even more so in developing world.more so in developing world.

The Internet as a force for globalization.The Internet as a force for globalization. Spreading Western valuesSpreading Western values Spreading the truth/resisting censorshipSpreading the truth/resisting censorship

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5… meet the brick wall of reality… meet the brick wall of reality

Little evidence of the Internet leading Little evidence of the Internet leading to the fall of tyrants.to the fall of tyrants.

Although it did embarrass some semi-Although it did embarrass some semi-democratic governments.democratic governments. Chiapas revolt in Mexico – first revolution Chiapas revolt in Mexico – first revolution

by laptop.by laptop. ““Commandante Marcos” – rapid email Commandante Marcos” – rapid email

contact with outside world.contact with outside world. Important to concessions made by the Important to concessions made by the

Mexican government – although these Mexican government – although these concessions not delivered.concessions not delivered.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Rethinking democracy and the Rethinking democracy and the

InternetInternet Second thoughts about how the Internet Second thoughts about how the Internet

empowers pro-democracy forces.empowers pro-democracy forces. Focuses on Focuses on specificsspecifics of how the Internet of how the Internet

affects all actors.affects all actors. Much more subtle – and less firm in its Much more subtle – and less firm in its

predictions.predictions. Argues that the Internet does give new Argues that the Internet does give new

tools to democratic activists.tools to democratic activists. But that governments can respond – and But that governments can respond – and

may have tools of their own.may have tools of their own.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5How the Internet affects activistsHow the Internet affects activists

Internet is in theory of enormous help Internet is in theory of enormous help to democratic activists.to democratic activists.

Allows them to communicate among Allows them to communicate among themselvesthemselves

Allows them to communicate with the Allows them to communicate with the mass public more easily.mass public more easily.

Allows them to communicate with Allows them to communicate with outside world (democratic countries) outside world (democratic countries) – and mobilize opinion there.– and mobilize opinion there.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Communicating among themselvesCommunicating among themselves

Can use email and web pages to Can use email and web pages to communicate among each other.communicate among each other.

Web servers may be located in Web servers may be located in different countries.different countries.

Email much more difficult for Email much more difficult for authoritarian regimes to monitor, authoritarian regimes to monitor, control and tap.control and tap.

Especially when activists use codes Especially when activists use codes and cryptographic techniques.and cryptographic techniques.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Communicating with the publicCommunicating with the public

Can use the Internet to communicate Can use the Internet to communicate with the general public.with the general public.

Solves a key problem for pro-democracy Solves a key problem for pro-democracy forces in most authoritarian regimes.forces in most authoritarian regimes. The government has control of most other The government has control of most other

forms of mass communication.forms of mass communication. Some countries have required permits for Some countries have required permits for

typewriters.typewriters. But activists can use WWW/email to But activists can use WWW/email to

communicate with general public communicate with general public (democratic spam mail).(democratic spam mail).

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Communicating with outside worldCommunicating with outside world

Getting case across to outside world is Getting case across to outside world is often hugely important to often hugely important to democratization.democratization.

““Boomerang effect” – pressures placed Boomerang effect” – pressures placed on government by outside actors.on government by outside actors.

Internet makes it much easier and Internet makes it much easier and cheaper to do this.cheaper to do this. Allows information to be smuggled out of Allows information to be smuggled out of

the country more easily – and then spread to the country more easily – and then spread to others (often through exile community/other others (often through exile community/other websites).websites).

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Tools of governmentTools of government

Governments, however can respond Governments, however can respond defensively in different ways.defensively in different ways.

Can seek to disrupt communications Can seek to disrupt communications among activists.among activists.

Can seek to block them from Can seek to block them from communicating with mass publiccommunicating with mass public

Can seek to stop them Can seek to stop them communicating with outside world.communicating with outside world.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Disrupting communicationsDisrupting communications

Governments can seek to block and Governments can seek to block and track communications among activists.track communications among activists.

Evidence that many authoritarian Evidence that many authoritarian governments have sophisticated governments have sophisticated computer people doing this.computer people doing this. And US firms acting as subcontractors.And US firms acting as subcontractors.

Activists may find it difficult to use Activists may find it difficult to use cryptographic techniques in email etc. cryptographic techniques in email etc. if nobody else does.if nobody else does. Stand out from other users of the Internet.Stand out from other users of the Internet.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Stopping the mass spread of Stopping the mass spread of

informationinformation Governments may prevent message Governments may prevent message

from getting out to mass publics.from getting out to mass publics. Blocking of certain web pages/email Blocking of certain web pages/email

from certain sources.from certain sources. Can also block citizens from surfing Can also block citizens from surfing

web/monitor them.web/monitor them. Nobody except for government officials Nobody except for government officials

have access to the WWW in North have access to the WWW in North Korea.Korea.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Control of NetworksControl of Networks

Again, this is possible because of the Again, this is possible because of the ‘points of control’ that networks offer.‘points of control’ that networks offer.

Countries can censor the Internet in Countries can censor the Internet in various ways, at various different levels.various ways, at various different levels.

Through control of the backbone/single Through control of the backbone/single gatewaygateway

Through pressures on independent ISPsThrough pressures on independent ISPs Through state monopolies on ISPs (or Through state monopolies on ISPs (or

exclusive contracts for ‘safe’ exclusive contracts for ‘safe’ businesses).businesses).

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Control of backbone/gatewayControl of backbone/gateway

Some countries have single gateways to Some countries have single gateways to the Internet.the Internet.

This allows them to monitor and This allows them to monitor and perhaps control all communications perhaps control all communications in/out of country.in/out of country.

Example: Saudi Arabia.Example: Saudi Arabia. All WWW traffic is forwarded to a set of All WWW traffic is forwarded to a set of

proxy servers under the control of the Saudi proxy servers under the control of the Saudi Arabian government.Arabian government.

Can filter specific pages/web addressesCan filter specific pages/web addresses Possible to circumvent (dial up accounts Possible to circumvent (dial up accounts

outside Saudi Arabia – but expensive and outside Saudi Arabia – but expensive and inconvenient).inconvenient).

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Control of Backbone IIControl of Backbone II

China not only blocks specific IP addresses, it China not only blocks specific IP addresses, it also has dynamic filtering.also has dynamic filtering.

Can block pages that contain specific words Can block pages that contain specific words (Falun Gong).(Falun Gong).

Has also blocked access sporadically to search Has also blocked access sporadically to search engines at sensitive moments.engines at sensitive moments.

Blocked Google before an important Party Blocked Google before an important Party Congress.Congress.

Now seems to have forced Google (and Yahoo! Now seems to have forced Google (and Yahoo! and Microsoft) to cooperate more generally.and Microsoft) to cooperate more generally.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Control of ISPsControl of ISPs

Iran: for many years, access to the net Iran: for many years, access to the net was relatively open in Iran.was relatively open in Iran.

Last year, authorities have begun to Last year, authorities have begun to crack down, ordering ISPs to ban sites crack down, ordering ISPs to ban sites on official ‘blacklists.’on official ‘blacklists.’

Not as effective as exercising control at Not as effective as exercising control at backbone level.backbone level.

But increasingly, ISPs in Iran are being But increasingly, ISPs in Iran are being drawn into the net of government (large drawn into the net of government (large ISPs have government links).ISPs have government links).

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Monitoring as a control Monitoring as a control

methodologymethodology China has been to the forefront of efforts to China has been to the forefront of efforts to

ensure that ISPs and online chatrooms etc are ensure that ISPs and online chatrooms etc are monitored for criticism of the party, praise of monitored for criticism of the party, praise of Falun Gong etc.Falun Gong etc.

Makes ISPs self-police – or face shutting down Makes ISPs self-police – or face shutting down or more serious consequences.or more serious consequences.

Has a substantial chilling effect on political Has a substantial chilling effect on political speech.speech.

Although limits are being pushedAlthough limits are being pushed Some kinds of borderline critical speech are Some kinds of borderline critical speech are

tolerated (though hard to predict).tolerated (though hard to predict). Certain kinds of political speech (patriotic speech) Certain kinds of political speech (patriotic speech)

are considered acceptableare considered acceptable

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5An active role for governmentAn active role for government

Authoritarian governments can also use Authoritarian governments can also use Internet as a weapon – not just defend Internet as a weapon – not just defend against it.against it.

Can spread their own message using the Can spread their own message using the Internet.Internet. Official publications.Official publications. ““Unofficial” forms of communication.Unofficial” forms of communication.

Can hack sites abroad that they don’t like.Can hack sites abroad that they don’t like. Chinese government and Falun Gong movement.Chinese government and Falun Gong movement.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5The Internet in Putin’s RussiaThe Internet in Putin’s Russia

In theory – Internet could serve as an In theory – Internet could serve as an alternative to a media sector that is only alternative to a media sector that is only weakly democratic.weakly democratic.

TV stations are controlled by government TV stations are controlled by government friendly forces.friendly forces.

Newspapers are either ineffective, or pro-Newspapers are either ineffective, or pro-government.government.

But the Internet doesn’t actually provide But the Internet doesn’t actually provide much in the way of alternative voices – much in the way of alternative voices – why?why?

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Indirect State controlIndirect State control

Not censorship as in ChinaNot censorship as in China Govt owns the largest ISP, and plays a Govt owns the largest ISP, and plays a

dominant role in the market.dominant role in the market. Laws require that ISPs allow govt Laws require that ISPs allow govt

access to incoming and outgoing traffic.access to incoming and outgoing traffic. Yet the government doesn’t use these to Yet the government doesn’t use these to

block traffic as in other parts of the block traffic as in other parts of the world.world.

Instead, a softer approach.Instead, a softer approach.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Soft authoritarianismSoft authoritarianism

Russian government has an Internet policy Russian government has an Internet policy similar to that for the normal media.similar to that for the normal media.

Shadowy backers for many online news Shadowy backers for many online news sources, whom the Kremlin can influence.sources, whom the Kremlin can influence.

Denunciations of alternative voices as Denunciations of alternative voices as being catspaws for “foreign” interests.being catspaws for “foreign” interests.

This means that much of the information This means that much of the information available online for Russians is, effectively, available online for Russians is, effectively, propaganda.propaganda.

More subtle – but also perhaps more More subtle – but also perhaps more effective in the long run.effective in the long run.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5CountermeasuresCountermeasures

Are there any available Are there any available countermeasures through which it countermeasures through which it might be possible to encourage might be possible to encourage democratic activists and make it more democratic activists and make it more difficult for governments to constrain difficult for governments to constrain them?them?

Yes – but have their own problems.Yes – but have their own problems. Proxy servers/anonymizers.Proxy servers/anonymizers. Counter-propagandaCounter-propaganda

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5Proxy servers/anonymizersProxy servers/anonymizers

Possible to use anonymizers/proxy Possible to use anonymizers/proxy servers in order to make WWW access servers in order to make WWW access easier.easier.

These servers allow one to access WWW These servers allow one to access WWW indirectly, in a way that makes it difficult indirectly, in a way that makes it difficult for outsiders to see where you’re surfing.for outsiders to see where you’re surfing.

But have own problems.But have own problems. Censors can block the anonymizers Censors can block the anonymizers

themselves.themselves. Cat and mouse game of changing WWW/IP Cat and mouse game of changing WWW/IP

addresses.addresses. May also have unexpected consequences.May also have unexpected consequences.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5IBB AnonymizerIBB Anonymizer

In late 2003, the US International In late 2003, the US International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) introduced an Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) introduced an anonymizing service aimed at Iran, which was anonymizing service aimed at Iran, which was starting to experiment with censorship starting to experiment with censorship technology.technology.

But wanted to avoid being overwhelmed with But wanted to avoid being overwhelmed with porn requests (also political embarrassment).porn requests (also political embarrassment).

Thus introduced keyword based censorship.Thus introduced keyword based censorship. Blocked access to many entirely innocent sites.Blocked access to many entirely innocent sites.

USembassy.state.govUSembassy.state.gov Georgewbush.comGeorgewbush.com www.hotmail.comwww.hotmail.com

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5CounterpropagandaCounterpropaganda

Possible for outside actors interested in Possible for outside actors interested in promoting democracy to create counter-promoting democracy to create counter-propaganda for use in countries like propaganda for use in countries like Russia etc.Russia etc.

But this has its own problems.But this has its own problems. Can be blocked by authoritarian regimes.Can be blocked by authoritarian regimes. May be viewed with suspicion – esp. if it May be viewed with suspicion – esp. if it

comes from government sources.comes from government sources. The US lack of success in promoting democracy The US lack of success in promoting democracy

in the Arab world.in the Arab world.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5A new kind of warA new kind of war

Result – no “simple” win for democracy Result – no “simple” win for democracy against authoritarian governments.against authoritarian governments.

But no easy win for authoritarian But no easy win for authoritarian governments either.governments either.

Instead, a new kind of quiet war.Instead, a new kind of quiet war. Fought with technological weapons – Fought with technological weapons –

governments seek to block websites, governments seek to block websites, communications, while activists try to communications, while activists try to circumvent control.circumvent control.

Fought in court of public opinion – as both Fought in court of public opinion – as both sides seek to persuade others of their version sides seek to persuade others of their version of truth.of truth.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5What we have learnedWhat we have learned

Early impression that the Internet Early impression that the Internet would invariably promote democracy.would invariably promote democracy.

But reality is more complicated.But reality is more complicated. Internet gives new weapons to Internet gives new weapons to

democracy activists democracy activists andand to to governments.governments.

New war being fought between the New war being fought between the two of them – with new weapons.two of them – with new weapons.

The Politics of the Internet 5The Politics of the Internet 5What does this war mean?What does this war mean?

No definite winners or losers.No definite winners or losers. But even so, it may have more subtle But even so, it may have more subtle

effects. Perhaps we need to look beyond effects. Perhaps we need to look beyond simple fights between democracy activists simple fights between democracy activists and governments.and governments.

Effects on civil society.Effects on civil society. China as case study.China as case study.

China is becoming more nationalistic – in part China is becoming more nationalistic – in part because of forces unleashed by Internet.because of forces unleashed by Internet.

But Internet also helps promote more diverse But Internet also helps promote more diverse communication – even if it’s unlikely to lead to communication – even if it’s unlikely to lead to democracy flowering tomorrow.democracy flowering tomorrow.

ChinaChina As discussed, China has perhaps the As discussed, China has perhaps the

most sophisticated means of Internet most sophisticated means of Internet monitoring/censorship in existence.monitoring/censorship in existence.

But also faces some fundamental But also faces some fundamental dilemmas.dilemmas. Wants technology-fueled growthWants technology-fueled growth Has rapidly growing middle class with Has rapidly growing middle class with

aspirations and demandsaspirations and demands Problem for an authoritarian society – Problem for an authoritarian society –

how do you take advantage of economic how do you take advantage of economic growth without allowing increased growth without allowing increased freedoms to your citizens?freedoms to your citizens?

Chinese responseChinese response China has, despite its authoritarian China has, despite its authoritarian

tendencies, provided some freedom of action tendencies, provided some freedom of action to citizens.to citizens.

Key aim has been to prevent the creation of Key aim has been to prevent the creation of alternative political movements that could alternative political movements that could displace the Communist party from rule.displace the Communist party from rule. Democracy activists.Democracy activists. But also Falun GongBut also Falun Gong Land protests etc.Land protests etc.

Speech which doesn’t directly challenge the Speech which doesn’t directly challenge the regime has sometimes been tolerated.regime has sometimes been tolerated.

But this is a dangerous balance for the But this is a dangerous balance for the Chinese government.Chinese government.

Birth of civil societyBirth of civil society This may mean that civil society is emerging in This may mean that civil society is emerging in

China.China. Civil society – a sphere of social relations Civil society – a sphere of social relations

independent of the state, but not necessarily independent of the state, but not necessarily directly political.directly political. ClubsClubs Debating societiesDebating societies Websites and blogs?Websites and blogs?

This isn’t necessarily a precursor to democracy This isn’t necessarily a precursor to democracy – but may limit the power of the state.– but may limit the power of the state.

Provides individuals with a means of Provides individuals with a means of commenting on politics.commenting on politics.

Also may be valuable to an authoritarian Also may be valuable to an authoritarian regime, which otherwise doesn’t know what its regime, which otherwise doesn’t know what its people think.people think.

Positive examples Positive examples (Washington Post)(Washington Post)

China Youth Daily saga.China Youth Daily saga. Official publication – but had run some material Official publication – but had run some material

critical of the government.critical of the government. Government crackdown included installation of Government crackdown included installation of

new editor who was a party loyalist, plus new editor who was a party loyalist, plus incentives to please the Communist party incentives to please the Communist party leadership.leadership.

A prominent journalist protested – and his A prominent journalist protested – and his memo was rapidly leaked to the Internet.memo was rapidly leaked to the Internet.

Combination of text-messaging, blogs, Combination of text-messaging, blogs, bulletin boards and email saw it widely bulletin boards and email saw it widely disseminated despite censorship efforts – disseminated despite censorship efforts – prompting a partial reversal of policy.prompting a partial reversal of policy.

But journalist in question was fired.But journalist in question was fired.

Negative examplesNegative examples Anti-Japan protests last Spring.Anti-Japan protests last Spring. Considerable animus between Japan and Considerable animus between Japan and

China – partly thanks to WWII experience.China – partly thanks to WWII experience. Boiled over this Spring due to a variety of Boiled over this Spring due to a variety of

controversies between the two countries, controversies between the two countries, and led to anti-Japan protests in China.and led to anti-Japan protests in China.

At first, tolerated and perhaps implicitly At first, tolerated and perhaps implicitly encouraged by the Chinese government.encouraged by the Chinese government.

Soon, however, led government to be Soon, however, led government to be worried that it was slipping out of control worried that it was slipping out of control – but had difficulty in reining protests in.– but had difficulty in reining protests in.

What does this mean?What does this mean?

One reasonable interpretation of One reasonable interpretation of what is happening:what is happening:

The The direct direct battle between Internet battle between Internet activists and the Chinese activists and the Chinese government is at a standstill.government is at a standstill. Internet not the surefire weapon for pro-Internet not the surefire weapon for pro-

democracy people that it seemed to be.democracy people that it seemed to be. But But indirect indirect battle is shaping up to battle is shaping up to

be the more important.be the more important. Creation of a civil society, outside the Creation of a civil society, outside the

direct control of the state.direct control of the state.

What does this mean IIWhat does this mean II Some caution is warranted.Some caution is warranted.

(1) This need not necessarily lead inevitably (1) This need not necessarily lead inevitably towards democracy – perhaps a Singapore towards democracy – perhaps a Singapore solution.solution.

(2) It may be countered, as in Russia, through (2) It may be countered, as in Russia, through clever pro-state propaganda.clever pro-state propaganda.

(3) To the extent that it succeeds, may have its (3) To the extent that it succeeds, may have its dark side – heightened nationalism etc.dark side – heightened nationalism etc.

But suggests that there are limits to the But suggests that there are limits to the ability of authoritarian regimes to ability of authoritarian regimes to simultaneously embrace technological simultaneously embrace technological change and maintain control.change and maintain control.

Democracy may not be dawning – but Democracy may not be dawning – but interesting things are still happening.interesting things are still happening.