Philip N. Howard
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199736416
- eISBN:
- 9780199866441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736416.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, Democratization
This introductory chapter begins by laying out the purpose of the book, which is to demonstrate that over the last fifteen years, technology diffusion has had an important causal role in ...
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This introductory chapter begins by laying out the purpose of the book, which is to demonstrate that over the last fifteen years, technology diffusion has had an important causal role in democratization. New information and communication technologies, such as mobile phones and the internet, have provided new infrastructural conditions, with distinct outcomes for systems of political communication and broad consequences for the institutions of democracy. It reviews research on the impact of new information technologies in the developing world. It then discusses the rationale behind studying the Muslim experience with information technology and democratization. An overview of the subsequent chapters is presented.Less
This introductory chapter begins by laying out the purpose of the book, which is to demonstrate that over the last fifteen years, technology diffusion has had an important causal role in democratization. New information and communication technologies, such as mobile phones and the internet, have provided new infrastructural conditions, with distinct outcomes for systems of political communication and broad consequences for the institutions of democracy. It reviews research on the impact of new information technologies in the developing world. It then discusses the rationale behind studying the Muslim experience with information technology and democratization. An overview of the subsequent chapters is presented.
Paul A. David and Gavin Wright
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780197263471
- eISBN:
- 9780191734786
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197263471.003.0005
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic History
This chapter analyses the relationship between the diffusion of general purpose technologies (GPTs) and surges in the growth of productivity. It first explores the dynamics of GPT diffusion by ...
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This chapter analyses the relationship between the diffusion of general purpose technologies (GPTs) and surges in the growth of productivity. It first explores the dynamics of GPT diffusion by considering the generic and differentiating aspects of the US experience with industrial electrification and in comparison with that of the UK and Japan. It then discusses the analogies and contrasts between the historical case of a socio-economic regime transition involving the electric dynamo and the modern experience of the information and communications technology (ICT).Less
This chapter analyses the relationship between the diffusion of general purpose technologies (GPTs) and surges in the growth of productivity. It first explores the dynamics of GPT diffusion by considering the generic and differentiating aspects of the US experience with industrial electrification and in comparison with that of the UK and Japan. It then discusses the analogies and contrasts between the historical case of a socio-economic regime transition involving the electric dynamo and the modern experience of the information and communications technology (ICT).
Philip N. Howard
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199736416
- eISBN:
- 9780199866441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736416.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, Democratization
This chapter offers a conceptual framework and some useful indicators for studying technology diffusion and political institutions. Topics discussed include the impact of information technology on ...
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This chapter offers a conceptual framework and some useful indicators for studying technology diffusion and political institutions. Topics discussed include the impact of information technology on Islamic political culture, information and community technology (ICT) access in the Muslim communities of the developing world, indexing democracy and ICT diffusion, and the impact of information infrastructure on democracy.Less
This chapter offers a conceptual framework and some useful indicators for studying technology diffusion and political institutions. Topics discussed include the impact of information technology on Islamic political culture, information and community technology (ICT) access in the Muslim communities of the developing world, indexing democracy and ICT diffusion, and the impact of information infrastructure on democracy.
Philip N. Howard
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199736416
- eISBN:
- 9780199866441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736416.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, Democratization
This chapter takes a transnational approach to answering a crucial question: What role does the internet have in the democratic transitions of Muslim countries? The previous four chapters reviewed ...
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This chapter takes a transnational approach to answering a crucial question: What role does the internet have in the democratic transitions of Muslim countries? The previous four chapters reviewed the impact of ICTs on four principal political actors: states, political parties, citizens, and journalists, exploring the causal pathways that particular countries have taken to becoming strong, resilient democracies. This chapter puts it all together using an innovative new statistical approach—fuzzy set logic—to summarize the real-world relationships between technology diffusion and democratic change. Using original data and data from established sources in original ways, it is shown that technology diffusion has had a crucial causal role in improvements in democratic institutions.Less
This chapter takes a transnational approach to answering a crucial question: What role does the internet have in the democratic transitions of Muslim countries? The previous four chapters reviewed the impact of ICTs on four principal political actors: states, political parties, citizens, and journalists, exploring the causal pathways that particular countries have taken to becoming strong, resilient democracies. This chapter puts it all together using an innovative new statistical approach—fuzzy set logic—to summarize the real-world relationships between technology diffusion and democratic change. Using original data and data from established sources in original ways, it is shown that technology diffusion has had a crucial causal role in improvements in democratic institutions.
Philip N. Howard
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199736416
- eISBN:
- 9780199866441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736416.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, Democratization
This chapter addresses two important questions: Which governments are online? What is the relative capacity of their information infrastructure? There are many aspects to the information society, and ...
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This chapter addresses two important questions: Which governments are online? What is the relative capacity of their information infrastructure? There are many aspects to the information society, and the chapter reviews the e-government literature relevant to Muslim countries. It traces the recent history of technology adoption by Muslim governments and presents some unique data—collected by the World Information Access project and the Project on Information Technology and Political Islam—which allows for the comparison of wired states. It is shown that there is a surprising amount of dependency in the global information society, with much of the information infrastructure of Muslim countries actually residing in advanced democracies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. While information technologies seem to be at the heart of newfound efficiency, transparency, and accountability in emerging democracies, pursuing economic benefits and extending state capacity have forced even the most authoritarian states to make policy trade-offs that create the conditions for transparency and accountability.Less
This chapter addresses two important questions: Which governments are online? What is the relative capacity of their information infrastructure? There are many aspects to the information society, and the chapter reviews the e-government literature relevant to Muslim countries. It traces the recent history of technology adoption by Muslim governments and presents some unique data—collected by the World Information Access project and the Project on Information Technology and Political Islam—which allows for the comparison of wired states. It is shown that there is a surprising amount of dependency in the global information society, with much of the information infrastructure of Muslim countries actually residing in advanced democracies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. While information technologies seem to be at the heart of newfound efficiency, transparency, and accountability in emerging democracies, pursuing economic benefits and extending state capacity have forced even the most authoritarian states to make policy trade-offs that create the conditions for transparency and accountability.
Philip N. Howard
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199736416
- eISBN:
- 9780199866441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736416.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, Democratization
This chapter develops grounded theory about the role of information and communication technologies in civil society development. Civic groups are important for democratization because they are, by ...
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This chapter develops grounded theory about the role of information and communication technologies in civil society development. Civic groups are important for democratization because they are, by definition, social organizations independent of the state. Across the Muslim world, civic associations are sprouting up as a result of the new, supportive information infrastructure provided by ICTs. Relatively cheap consumer electronics allow such civic groups to find new members and build affiliations with groups in cities and other countries. Such groups are particularly important in Muslim countries where political parties are illegal. The chapter reviews the ways in which the internet has had an impact on the political pacts negotiated between social elites and authoritarian regimes—pacts that determine the pace of political change.Less
This chapter develops grounded theory about the role of information and communication technologies in civil society development. Civic groups are important for democratization because they are, by definition, social organizations independent of the state. Across the Muslim world, civic associations are sprouting up as a result of the new, supportive information infrastructure provided by ICTs. Relatively cheap consumer electronics allow such civic groups to find new members and build affiliations with groups in cities and other countries. Such groups are particularly important in Muslim countries where political parties are illegal. The chapter reviews the ways in which the internet has had an impact on the political pacts negotiated between social elites and authoritarian regimes—pacts that determine the pace of political change.
Robin Mansell and W. Edward Steinmueller
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198295570
- eISBN:
- 9780191685149
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198295570.003.0002
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Information Technology, Innovation
The interaction between the information society and the significant changes in both information and communication technologies would bring about profound effects on our lives, particularly in the ...
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The interaction between the information society and the significant changes in both information and communication technologies would bring about profound effects on our lives, particularly in the twenty-first century. As our focus remains in the European aspect of the said interactions, our study concentrates on how European developments are influenced greatly by the understanding of the visions made by other societies, such as that of the United States, and by these technological developments' global character. Since the European character of the vision for the information society may have notable differences from that of other societies, we aim to explore the public expressions of European policy makers and how Europe differs from other areas in terms of its technological, social, cultural, and economic development.Less
The interaction between the information society and the significant changes in both information and communication technologies would bring about profound effects on our lives, particularly in the twenty-first century. As our focus remains in the European aspect of the said interactions, our study concentrates on how European developments are influenced greatly by the understanding of the visions made by other societies, such as that of the United States, and by these technological developments' global character. Since the European character of the vision for the information society may have notable differences from that of other societies, we aim to explore the public expressions of European policy makers and how Europe differs from other areas in terms of its technological, social, cultural, and economic development.
Jürgen R. Grote and Achim Lang
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199252091
- eISBN:
- 9780191599224
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199252092.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
The first section of this chapter on Europeanization in relation to organizational change in national trade associations addresses the paradigm of Europeanization and business interest associations. ...
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The first section of this chapter on Europeanization in relation to organizational change in national trade associations addresses the paradigm of Europeanization and business interest associations. The second section discusses change in sectoral business associations from an ecological perspective, looking at the different strategies that organizations can use to confront external challenges. Absorption and compensation, integration, cooperation and intervention. The third and final sections of the chapter are written with particular reference to the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) Sector and the Chemicals Sector in Germany. The third section, on change-inducing environmental factors, distinguishes between the political, economic, technological and social environments that influence the individual groups and group populations in different ways according to sector via national, European or international channels. The final section looks at change in an intra- and inter-organizational perspective, and describes the interest group populations and focal organizations dominating both sectors before looking at selected results that shed some light on the ways that leading representatives of trade associations perceive external challenges and related modifications in the application of resources.Less
The first section of this chapter on Europeanization in relation to organizational change in national trade associations addresses the paradigm of Europeanization and business interest associations. The second section discusses change in sectoral business associations from an ecological perspective, looking at the different strategies that organizations can use to confront external challenges. Absorption and compensation, integration, cooperation and intervention. The third and final sections of the chapter are written with particular reference to the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) Sector and the Chemicals Sector in Germany. The third section, on change-inducing environmental factors, distinguishes between the political, economic, technological and social environments that influence the individual groups and group populations in different ways according to sector via national, European or international channels. The final section looks at change in an intra- and inter-organizational perspective, and describes the interest group populations and focal organizations dominating both sectors before looking at selected results that shed some light on the ways that leading representatives of trade associations perceive external challenges and related modifications in the application of resources.
Keith Pavitt
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199263233
- eISBN:
- 9780191718847
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199263233.003.0005
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Strategy
This chapter argues that the Systems Integration firms are progressively replacing the large, established manufacturing firm, described by Penrose and Chandler, as the major motor of technical change ...
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This chapter argues that the Systems Integration firms are progressively replacing the large, established manufacturing firm, described by Penrose and Chandler, as the major motor of technical change in advanced, high-wage countries. This shift reflects in part the unexpected difficulties faced by large industrial firms in exploiting new technological opportunities. It also reflects the following combined effects of advances in IT and globalization: the acceleration of offshore manufacturing, facilitated by improvements in monitoring and control in modular interfaces, and in the transmission of codified skills; modularity; and digitally-based systems.Less
This chapter argues that the Systems Integration firms are progressively replacing the large, established manufacturing firm, described by Penrose and Chandler, as the major motor of technical change in advanced, high-wage countries. This shift reflects in part the unexpected difficulties faced by large industrial firms in exploiting new technological opportunities. It also reflects the following combined effects of advances in IT and globalization: the acceleration of offshore manufacturing, facilitated by improvements in monitoring and control in modular interfaces, and in the transmission of codified skills; modularity; and digitally-based systems.
John Cantwell
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199241828
- eISBN:
- 9780191596834
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199241821.003.0016
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
In recent years, there has been a steady expansion in the literature that relates the internationalization of production to the development and transfer of technology by multinational enterprises ...
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In recent years, there has been a steady expansion in the literature that relates the internationalization of production to the development and transfer of technology by multinational enterprises (MNEs). The first section of this chapter discusses this, and notes the current shift of attention away from technology transfer per se, and the parallel shift in the terms in which technology is now defined and conceptualized. The latter is further addressed in the second section, which considers technology in relation to MNEs in its broadest sense of international technology creation and innovation. The third section examines the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and the construction of corporate technological capabilities in the MNE, and the fourth examines intra‐ and inter‐firm international networks for technological development. The fifth section extends the discussion to the role of information and communications technology (ICT) within such international MNE networks.Less
In recent years, there has been a steady expansion in the literature that relates the internationalization of production to the development and transfer of technology by multinational enterprises (MNEs). The first section of this chapter discusses this, and notes the current shift of attention away from technology transfer per se, and the parallel shift in the terms in which technology is now defined and conceptualized. The latter is further addressed in the second section, which considers technology in relation to MNEs in its broadest sense of international technology creation and innovation. The third section examines the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and the construction of corporate technological capabilities in the MNE, and the fourth examines intra‐ and inter‐firm international networks for technological development. The fifth section extends the discussion to the role of information and communications technology (ICT) within such international MNE networks.
Richard G. Lipsey
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198296058
- eISBN:
- 9780191596209
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198296053.003.0003
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
The view of globalization taken in this chapter is that it is but a subset of the immense number of structural adjustments that the world is undergoing as a result of the evolution of a related group ...
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The view of globalization taken in this chapter is that it is but a subset of the immense number of structural adjustments that the world is undergoing as a result of the evolution of a related group of new technologies usually referred to as information and communications technologies (ICT). Since the ICT revolution is causing many structural adjustments, including globalization, and since the rethinking of the role of governments is to a great extent driven by all of these structural changes, it is often hard to know what is due to globalization and what is due to other aspects of the adjustments wrought by the ICT revolution. So, the scope of this chapter is the nature of the ICT revolution, the deep structural adjustments that it is inducing, including globalization, and the rethinking of the place of the government in the economy—one major driving force of which is globalization. Sect. 2 of the chapter looks at technological and structural change in general and ends with globalization in particular, and Sect. 3 deals with what economists have traditionally regarded as the functions of the nation state. Sect. 4 develops the chapter's main theme,i.e., how technological change and globalization are altering views about the place of government in the economy and, in the process, leading to a new clash of ideologies.Less
The view of globalization taken in this chapter is that it is but a subset of the immense number of structural adjustments that the world is undergoing as a result of the evolution of a related group of new technologies usually referred to as information and communications technologies (ICT). Since the ICT revolution is causing many structural adjustments, including globalization, and since the rethinking of the role of governments is to a great extent driven by all of these structural changes, it is often hard to know what is due to globalization and what is due to other aspects of the adjustments wrought by the ICT revolution. So, the scope of this chapter is the nature of the ICT revolution, the deep structural adjustments that it is inducing, including globalization, and the rethinking of the place of the government in the economy—one major driving force of which is globalization. Sect. 2 of the chapter looks at technological and structural change in general and ends with globalization in particular, and Sect. 3 deals with what economists have traditionally regarded as the functions of the nation state. Sect. 4 develops the chapter's main theme,i.e., how technological change and globalization are altering views about the place of government in the economy and, in the process, leading to a new clash of ideologies.
Philip N. Howard
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199736416
- eISBN:
- 9780199866441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736416.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, Democratization
This chapter shows that political parties play different roles in Muslim countries. In some, parties participate in competitive elections; in others, a single political party manages the state ...
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This chapter shows that political parties play different roles in Muslim countries. In some, parties participate in competitive elections; in others, a single political party manages the state apparatus; and in yet others, political parties are hollow and ineffectual. The majority of these political parties support a vibrant secular political discourse online. The chapter traces the recent history of technology adoption by political parties and presents two findings. First, whereas in the past political parties could easily own, control, and incapacitate the news media, today it is much more difficult for them to maintain the same control over digital media. Second, contrary to received wisdom, the internet has not been taken up significantly by minor parties and radical challenger groups. Rather, it is the large, long-standing political organizations that have invested in information and communication technologies (ICTs) in a big way.Less
This chapter shows that political parties play different roles in Muslim countries. In some, parties participate in competitive elections; in others, a single political party manages the state apparatus; and in yet others, political parties are hollow and ineffectual. The majority of these political parties support a vibrant secular political discourse online. The chapter traces the recent history of technology adoption by political parties and presents two findings. First, whereas in the past political parties could easily own, control, and incapacitate the news media, today it is much more difficult for them to maintain the same control over digital media. Second, contrary to received wisdom, the internet has not been taken up significantly by minor parties and radical challenger groups. Rather, it is the large, long-standing political organizations that have invested in information and communication technologies (ICTs) in a big way.
Heather E. Hudson
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195102017
- eISBN:
- 9780199854936
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195102017.003.0016
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Information Technology
In order to implement coordinated communication technology planning procedures, African governments must acquire comprehensive reports on countrywide priorities and development strategies; be ...
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In order to implement coordinated communication technology planning procedures, African governments must acquire comprehensive reports on countrywide priorities and development strategies; be conscious of the contribution of telecommunications systems to national growth and sustainability; allot physical and financial resources for the betterment of the communications industry and proper utilization of human capital; and observe adequate information dissemination regarding the available services and its accompanied advantages. It can be stated that active participation of the state and continuous evaluation of administrative policies (specifically in terms of funding, pricing, services innovation, and maintenance of facilities) regarding the telecommunications division influence the realization of national objectives and the fulfillment of individuals needs. Thus, telecommunications networks should not only be regarded as a source of income, but also an investment that elicits national and continental advantages.Less
In order to implement coordinated communication technology planning procedures, African governments must acquire comprehensive reports on countrywide priorities and development strategies; be conscious of the contribution of telecommunications systems to national growth and sustainability; allot physical and financial resources for the betterment of the communications industry and proper utilization of human capital; and observe adequate information dissemination regarding the available services and its accompanied advantages. It can be stated that active participation of the state and continuous evaluation of administrative policies (specifically in terms of funding, pricing, services innovation, and maintenance of facilities) regarding the telecommunications division influence the realization of national objectives and the fulfillment of individuals needs. Thus, telecommunications networks should not only be regarded as a source of income, but also an investment that elicits national and continental advantages.
Philip N. Howard
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199736416
- eISBN:
- 9780199866441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736416.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, Democratization
This chapter explores the more pernicious applications of ICTs, which are used in many Muslim countries not simply for censorship but for actively managing collective identity. The first part of the ...
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This chapter explores the more pernicious applications of ICTs, which are used in many Muslim countries not simply for censorship but for actively managing collective identity. The first part of the chapter explores the ways that political culture is now produced and consumed in Muslim countries. It reviews the most recent findings about techniques for political censorship and the efforts of activists to overcome these constraints. The chapter then demonstrates how political elites have effectively used the new media to construct and manage a transnational Muslim identity for people with significantly different cultural backgrounds. Through digital technologies, social elites attempt more than news censorship and email surveillance. They work to manage particular domains of Islamic political culture and identity formation for youth.Less
This chapter explores the more pernicious applications of ICTs, which are used in many Muslim countries not simply for censorship but for actively managing collective identity. The first part of the chapter explores the ways that political culture is now produced and consumed in Muslim countries. It reviews the most recent findings about techniques for political censorship and the efforts of activists to overcome these constraints. The chapter then demonstrates how political elites have effectively used the new media to construct and manage a transnational Muslim identity for people with significantly different cultural backgrounds. Through digital technologies, social elites attempt more than news censorship and email surveillance. They work to manage particular domains of Islamic political culture and identity formation for youth.
Louis Kaplow
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691158624
- eISBN:
- 9781400846078
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691158624.003.0018
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic History
This chapter considers a number of additional subjects. It first considers the determination of sanctions under a communications-based prohibition, focusing on differences that arise when employing a ...
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This chapter considers a number of additional subjects. It first considers the determination of sanctions under a communications-based prohibition, focusing on differences that arise when employing a communications-based prohibition rather than when basing liability on the presence of successful oligopolistic coordination. The chapter then turns to an alternative rule under which liability cannot be based on circumstantial evidence, contrary to the long-standing norm in competition law. Hereafter, implications of the contrasting approaches for other areas of competition law, such as the stringency of limits on horizontal mergers and the regulation of practices that might facilitate oligopolistic coordination, are discussed. Finally, the chapter looks into the manner in which rapid evolution in communications technology might influence the analysis, particularly concerning detection.Less
This chapter considers a number of additional subjects. It first considers the determination of sanctions under a communications-based prohibition, focusing on differences that arise when employing a communications-based prohibition rather than when basing liability on the presence of successful oligopolistic coordination. The chapter then turns to an alternative rule under which liability cannot be based on circumstantial evidence, contrary to the long-standing norm in competition law. Hereafter, implications of the contrasting approaches for other areas of competition law, such as the stringency of limits on horizontal mergers and the regulation of practices that might facilitate oligopolistic coordination, are discussed. Finally, the chapter looks into the manner in which rapid evolution in communications technology might influence the analysis, particularly concerning detection.
Philip N. Howard
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199736416
- eISBN:
- 9780199866441
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736416.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, Democratization
Around the developing world, political leaders face a dilemma: the very information and communication technologies that boost economic fortunes also undermine power structures. Globally, one in ten ...
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Around the developing world, political leaders face a dilemma: the very information and communication technologies that boost economic fortunes also undermine power structures. Globally, one in ten internet users is a Muslim living in a populous Muslim community. In these countries, young people are developing their political identities—including a transnational Muslim identity—online. In countries where political parties are illegal, the internet is the only infrastructure for democratic discourse. In others, digital technologies such as mobile phones and the internet have given key actors an information infrastructure that is independent of the state. And in countries with large Muslim communities, mobile phones and the internet are helping civil society build systems of political communication independent of the state and beyond easy manipulation by cultural or religious elites. This book looks at the role that communications technologies play in advancing democratic transitions in Muslim countries. As such, its central question is whether technology holds the potential to substantially enhance democracy. Certainly, no democratic transition has occurred solely because of the internet. But, as the book argues, no democratic transition can occur today without the internet. According to this book, the major (and perhaps only meaningful) forum for civic debate in most Muslim countries today is online. Activists both within diasporic communities and within authoritarian states—including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan—are the drivers of this debate, which centers around issues such as the interpretation of Islamic texts, gender roles, and security issues. Drawing upon material from interviews with telecommunications policy makers and activists in Azerbaijan, Egypt, Tajikistan, and Tanzania and a comparative study of seventy-four countries with large Muslim populations, this book demonstrates that these forums have been the means to organize activist movements that have lead to successful democratic insurgencies.Less
Around the developing world, political leaders face a dilemma: the very information and communication technologies that boost economic fortunes also undermine power structures. Globally, one in ten internet users is a Muslim living in a populous Muslim community. In these countries, young people are developing their political identities—including a transnational Muslim identity—online. In countries where political parties are illegal, the internet is the only infrastructure for democratic discourse. In others, digital technologies such as mobile phones and the internet have given key actors an information infrastructure that is independent of the state. And in countries with large Muslim communities, mobile phones and the internet are helping civil society build systems of political communication independent of the state and beyond easy manipulation by cultural or religious elites. This book looks at the role that communications technologies play in advancing democratic transitions in Muslim countries. As such, its central question is whether technology holds the potential to substantially enhance democracy. Certainly, no democratic transition has occurred solely because of the internet. But, as the book argues, no democratic transition can occur today without the internet. According to this book, the major (and perhaps only meaningful) forum for civic debate in most Muslim countries today is online. Activists both within diasporic communities and within authoritarian states—including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan—are the drivers of this debate, which centers around issues such as the interpretation of Islamic texts, gender roles, and security issues. Drawing upon material from interviews with telecommunications policy makers and activists in Azerbaijan, Egypt, Tajikistan, and Tanzania and a comparative study of seventy-four countries with large Muslim populations, this book demonstrates that these forums have been the means to organize activist movements that have lead to successful democratic insurgencies.
Alvin I. Goldman
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198238201
- eISBN:
- 9780191597527
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198238207.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology
Innovations in communication technology make a difference to states of knowledge by changing the “message infosphere”: the set of messages that are sent and selectively retrieved by senders or ...
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Innovations in communication technology make a difference to states of knowledge by changing the “message infosphere”: the set of messages that are sent and selectively retrieved by senders or receivers. Expanding the message infosphere, however, does not guarantee improvements in social knowledge. That depends on the veritistic quality of the messages sent and the ability of receivers to sift the true from the false, the relevant from the irrelevant. This chapter reviews highlights of the digital revolution in terms of its impact on knowledge. The economics of communication regimes is also veritistically significant, as illustrated by the influence owners and advertisers exert on message content in the mass media.Less
Innovations in communication technology make a difference to states of knowledge by changing the “message infosphere”: the set of messages that are sent and selectively retrieved by senders or receivers. Expanding the message infosphere, however, does not guarantee improvements in social knowledge. That depends on the veritistic quality of the messages sent and the ability of receivers to sift the true from the false, the relevant from the irrelevant. This chapter reviews highlights of the digital revolution in terms of its impact on knowledge. The economics of communication regimes is also veritistically significant, as illustrated by the influence owners and advertisers exert on message content in the mass media.
Yung Chul Park
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276776
- eISBN:
- 9780191603051
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276773.003.0011
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, South and East Asia
The role of government and proper policy action in adopting effective development policies is discussed for both developing and developed East Asian economies. These include efficient export-led ...
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The role of government and proper policy action in adopting effective development policies is discussed for both developing and developed East Asian economies. These include efficient export-led development strategies and more comprehensive industrial policies.Less
The role of government and proper policy action in adopting effective development policies is discussed for both developing and developed East Asian economies. These include efficient export-led development strategies and more comprehensive industrial policies.
Makram Khoury-Machool
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195369212
- eISBN:
- 9780199871179
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195369212.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society, Islam
This chapter examines the relationship between Palestinian youth, information and communication technology (ICT), and political activism. The emergence of the Palestinian information society began in ...
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This chapter examines the relationship between Palestinian youth, information and communication technology (ICT), and political activism. The emergence of the Palestinian information society began in 1995, the first year of widespread use of the Worldwide Web. Youth skilled in ICT have been pioneers in positioning post-Oslo Palestine within the newly globalized society. Universities, schools, and nongovernmental organizations have played a major role in the support of community networks and emerging forms of youth activism. Since the second Intifada, connectivity at schools and at home has become a major tool for staying informed of events, and reporting on matters that affect youths personally, or concern their friends, families, neighbors, classmates, teachers, schools, and other youth facilities. The Internet has become increasingly central to everyday Palestinian life, acting as a tool for information, commerce, recruitment, social organization, and nonviolent political activism.Less
This chapter examines the relationship between Palestinian youth, information and communication technology (ICT), and political activism. The emergence of the Palestinian information society began in 1995, the first year of widespread use of the Worldwide Web. Youth skilled in ICT have been pioneers in positioning post-Oslo Palestine within the newly globalized society. Universities, schools, and nongovernmental organizations have played a major role in the support of community networks and emerging forms of youth activism. Since the second Intifada, connectivity at schools and at home has become a major tool for staying informed of events, and reporting on matters that affect youths personally, or concern their friends, families, neighbors, classmates, teachers, schools, and other youth facilities. The Internet has become increasingly central to everyday Palestinian life, acting as a tool for information, commerce, recruitment, social organization, and nonviolent political activism.
Claudio Ciborra
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199275267
- eISBN:
- 9780191714399
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199275267.003.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Information Technology
This chapter discusses the main theme of this book, namely the redefinition of the agenda of information systems design, development, and management. It suggests that the information systems field — ...
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This chapter discusses the main theme of this book, namely the redefinition of the agenda of information systems design, development, and management. It suggests that the information systems field — with its rational views of knowledge, decision making, strategy, and orderly systems development — is based on a narrow model of rational, ideal actors. Passion and improvisation; moods and bricolage; emotions and workaday chores; existence and procedures will become integral to systems design and use, casting new shadows and lights on the unfolding world of technology.Less
This chapter discusses the main theme of this book, namely the redefinition of the agenda of information systems design, development, and management. It suggests that the information systems field — with its rational views of knowledge, decision making, strategy, and orderly systems development — is based on a narrow model of rational, ideal actors. Passion and improvisation; moods and bricolage; emotions and workaday chores; existence and procedures will become integral to systems design and use, casting new shadows and lights on the unfolding world of technology.
