Internet freedom & political space /
Internet freedom and political space
Olesya Tkacheva ... [et al.].
- xxiv, 261 pages : illustrations (some col.), maps ; 23 cm
"RAND National Defense Research Institute." "The research was ... conducted within the International Security and Defense Policy (ISDP) Center of the RAND National Security Research Division (NSRD)"--Preface.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 231-261).
Introduction: The Autocratic Challenge and Internet Freedom -- The Internet and Political Process in Different Regimes -- Cyberactivists, Social Media, and the Anti-Mubarak Protests in Egypt -- Internet Freedom and Political Change in Syria -- The Internet in China: Threatened Tool of Expression and Mobilization -- Fighting Electoral Fraud in the 2011 Russian Election with Internet and Social Media -- Information Freedom During the Cold War: The Impact of Western Radio Broadcasts -- Internet Freedom: Measure and Countermeasure -- Key Findings and Policy Implications for Internet Freedom Programs’ Design -- Appendix: Electoral Fraud Variable and Summary Statistics for the Russia Case Study
The Internet has become a new battleground between governments that censor online content and those who advocate freedom to browse, post, and share information online for all, regardless of their place of residence. This report examines whether and how furthering Internet freedom can empower civil society vis-à-vis public officials, make the government more accountable to its citizens, and integrate citizens into the policymaking process. Using case studies of events in 2011 in Egypt, Syria, China, and Russia, researchers focus on the impact of Internet freedom on freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, and the right to cast a meaningful vote, all of which are the key pillars of political space. Researchers analyze the mechanisms by which Internet freedom can enhance the opportunities to enjoy these freedoms, how different political contexts can alter the opportunities for online mobilization, and how, subsequently, online activism can grow out into offline mobilization leading to visible policy changes. To provide historical context, researchers also draw parallels between the effects of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty programs in the Soviet Union during the Cold War and the ongoing efforts to expand Internet freedom for all. The report concludes by discussing implications for the design of Internet freedom programs and other measures to protect “freedom to connect.”