Political Change in the Digital Age: The Fragility and Promise of Online Organizing

14 Pages Posted: 27 Jun 2011

See all articles by Bruce Etling

Bruce Etling

Harvard University - Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society

Robert Faris

Harvard University - Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society

John G. Palfrey

Harvard Law School; Harvard Law School

Date Written: December 9, 2010

Abstract

We conclude that policymakers and scholars that have been most optimistic about the impact of digital tools have over-emphasized the role of information, specifically access to alternative and independent sources of information and unfiltered access to the Internet. We argue, in contrast, that more attention should be paid to the means of overcoming the difficulties of online organization in the face of authoritarian governments in an increasingly digital geopolitical environment.

Suggested Citation

Etling, Bruce and Faris, Robert and Palfrey, John G. and Palfrey, John G., Political Change in the Digital Age: The Fragility and Promise of Online Organizing (December 9, 2010). Berkman Center Research Publication No. 2010-15, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1871316

Bruce Etling

Harvard University - Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society ( email )

Harvard Law School
23 Everett, 2nd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

Robert Faris (Contact Author)

Harvard University - Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society ( email )

Harvard Law School
23 Everett, 2nd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

John G. Palfrey

Harvard Law School ( email )

1575 Massachusetts
Hauser 406
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

Harvard Law School ( email )

1575 Massachusetts
Hauser 406
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

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