The Internet and Political Protest in Autocracies

The Internet has had a profound impact on political protest around the world. In autocracies, where traditional forms of protest are often met with repression, the Internet has provided activists with a new tool to organize, mobilize, and communicate with each other.

The Internet and Political Protest in Autocracies (Oxford Studies in Digital Politics)

by Matthew Dermody

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5106 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	215 pages

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This book examines the role of the Internet in facilitating protest in autocracies. It explores the different ways that activists have used the Internet to organize protests, disseminate information, and build support for their cause. It also examines the ways in which autocratic regimes have responded to the Internet, including through censorship, surveillance, and arrests.

The book concludes by discussing the implications of the Internet for democratization in autocracies. It argues that the Internet has the potential to empower activists and promote democratic change, but that it is also important to be aware of the challenges and risks that the Internet poses.

The Role of the Internet in Facilitating Protest

The Internet has played a major role in facilitating protest in autocracies. Activists have used the Internet to:

* Organize protests: The Internet has made it easier for activists to connect with each other and plan protests. Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have been particularly useful for this purpose. * Disseminate information: The Internet has also made it easier for activists to disseminate information about their cause. They can use websites, blogs, and social media to share news and updates with their supporters. * Build support: The Internet has also helped activists to build support for their cause. They can use the Internet to connect with potential supporters and raise awareness of their issue.

The Response of Autocratic Regimes

Autocratic regimes have responded to the Internet in a variety of ways. Some regimes have embraced the Internet and used it to communicate with their citizens and promote their own agendas. Other regimes have been more cautious and have imposed restrictions on Internet access and use. Still other regimes have cracked down on Internet activists and used the Internet to monitor and suppress dissent.

The response of autocratic regimes to the Internet has been shaped by a number of factors, including the regime's ideology, its level of legitimacy, and its capacity for repression. Regimes that are more ideological and less legitimate are more likely to view the Internet as a threat and to impose restrictions on its use. Regimes that have a high capacity for repression are more likely to be able to crack down on Internet activists and suppress dissent.

The Implications for Democratization

The Internet has the potential to both promote and hinder democratization in autocracies. On the one hand, the Internet can empower activists and provide them with new tools to organize and mobilize. On the other hand, autocratic regimes can use the Internet to monitor and suppress dissent.

The outcome of the struggle between activists and autocratic regimes over the Internet will likely have a significant impact on the future of democratization in autocracies. If activists are able to successfully use the Internet to promote democratic change, then it could lead to a more open and democratic society. However, if autocratic regimes are able to successfully suppress dissent on the Internet, then it could lead to a more repressive and authoritarian society.

The Internet has had a profound impact on political protest in autocracies. It has provided activists with new tools to organize, mobilize, and communicate with each other. It has also made it easier for activists to disseminate information about their cause and build support for their movement. However, autocratic regimes have also responded to the Internet, and they have used a variety of tactics to restrict its use and suppress dissent. The outcome of the struggle between activists and autocratic regimes over the Internet will likely have a significant impact on the future of democratization in autocracies.

The Internet and Political Protest in Autocracies (Oxford Studies in Digital Politics)

by Matthew Dermody

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5106 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	215 pages

FREE