Internet, Governance and Democracy: Democratic Transitions from Asian and European Perspectives

Jens Hoff

January 2006, 153pp., 140x215mm

• Aims at an understanding of the challenges of democratic transitions that the Internet poses in both Asia and Europe.
• Case studies and analysis from Asia and Europe.

The Internet and other modern information and communication technologies (ICT) challenge existing political thinking, systems and processes all over the world. Whether or not they will lead to more transparency in policy-making and governance—or enhance democratic participation and empowerment—they have certainly provided new opportunities for politicians, governments and civil society. Asia and Europe differ widely but, in both cases, the Internet acts as a frontrunner of globalization and forces policymakers, governments and civil society alike to consider how to use it.