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201. Networks and Citizenship: Using Technology for Civic Innovation

Author:
Jeffrey Abramson
Publication Date:
04-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Aspen Institute
Abstract:
In any robust understanding of democracy, citizenship is a crucial component of self-government. In turn, the free flow of information, the accuracy of that information, opportunities to participate in the affairs of government and a sense of civic engagement with others are crucial components of citizenship. In evaluating these components, participants in the 2011 Aspen Institute Forum on Communications and Society (FOCAS) explored how best to take citizenship digital. Participants gathered to take stock of innovative ways that citizens can use information and communication technologies (ICTs) to better practice the core—but often unrealized—ideals of citizen participation and empowerment.
Topic:
Civil Society, Globalization, Science and Technology, Communications, and Governance

202. Updating Rules of the Digital Road: Privacy, Security, Intellectual Property

Author:
Richard P. Adler
Publication Date:
03-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Aspen Institute
Abstract:
The Internet is rapidly becoming the main thoroughfare over which the vital functions of society—communications, commerce, news, finance, civic and government affairs—are carried. The Net has already had enormous impact on a range of industry sectors, ranging from retailing and financial services to publishing and entertainment, and it has begun to reshape critical institutions, ranging from education to health care. Virtually every enterprise, no matter what business it is in, has been touched in multiple ways by the digital revolution: functions such as advertising, business intelligence, research, sales, orders, payments, logistics and even the management of daily activities have moved online. Internet-driven connectivity has made the world increasingly "flat" by creating a global marketplace. Government agencies at all levels are in the midst of putting their functions online in order to increase efficiency of operations and enhance transparency. Social media have emerged as a new way for people-especially young people-to connect with one other and express their individuality. These online tools have also demonstrated the capacity to organize political action and to galvanize resistance to repressive regimes, even as they strive to exercise control over these grassroots networks. Wireless media have extended the reach of the Net to the entire world. A series of reports from the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program have documented these tectonic shifts (see table) and explored some of the issues that they are raising.
Topic:
Security, Science and Technology, Communications, and Intellectual Property/Copyright

203. If You Love Something, Set It Free A Case for Defunding Public Broadcasting

Author:
Trevor Burrus
Publication Date:
05-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Cato Institute
Abstract:
Public broadcasting has been in critics' crosshairs since its creation in 1967. Assailed from all sides with allegations of bias, charges of political influence, and threats to defund their operations, public broadcasters have responded with everything from outright denial to personnel changes, but never have they squarely faced the fundamental problem: government-funded media companies are inherently problematic and impossible to reconcile with either the First Amendment or a government of constitutionally limited powers.
Topic:
Government, Communications, Mass Media, and Law
Political Geography:
United States

204. Ending Congestion by Refinancing Highways

Author:
Randal O'Toole
Publication Date:
05-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Cato Institute
Abstract:
Although gasoline taxes have long been the main source of funding for building, maintaining, and operating America's network of highways, roads, and streets, the tax is at best an imperfect user fee. As such, Congress and the states should take action to transition from gas taxes to more efficient vehicle-mile fees.
Topic:
Economics, Government, Communications, and Infrastructure
Political Geography:
United States

205. Simon Teune (ed.) The Transnational Condition: Protest dynamics in an entangled Europe (New York and Oxford: Berghahn Books, 2010)

Author:
Simon McMahon
Publication Date:
04-2012
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Central European University Political Science Journal
Institution:
Central European University
Abstract:
The Transnational Condition represents a valuable development of the academic literature on social movements and transnationalism. The objective of Simon Teune has been to "take protests in Europe as an example for the crosscutting relevance of transnational exchanges" (p. 2). Protest and activism act as a lens through which we are able to explore how local, national and global (or European) levels of social relations are shaped and integrated. Although the conceptualisation of 'transnationalism' as a set of "pluri-local relations of entanglement beyond national borders" (ibid.) initially seems somewhat vague and imprecise, the case studies that complete the edition clearly illustrate how a tighter definition of boundaries between these levels would fail to capture the fluid and dynamic nature of cross- border exchanges across them. In summary, the editor has brought together a range of texts that successfully "expands the depth of academic focus with reference to political processes on the European continent" (p. 12), whilst also presenting academics of social movements, European integration and communication studies with new avenues for investigation. The result is a collection of studies that does not only inform about the topic at hand, but offers analytical tools for the future development of the field.
Topic:
Communications
Political Geography:
Europe

206. The Video Revolution

Author:
Jane Sasseen
Publication Date:
08-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
National Endowment for Democracy
Abstract:
The Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA), at the National Endowment for Democracy, works to strengthen the support, raise the visibility, and improve the effectiveness of independent media development throughout the world. The Center provides information, builds networks, conducts research, and highlights the indispensable role independent media play in the creation and development of sustainable democracies. An important aspect of CIMA's work is to research ways to attract additional U.S. private sector interest in and support for international media development. The Center was one of the of the main nongovernmental organizers of World Press Freedom Day 2011 in Washington, DC.
Topic:
Development, Science and Technology, International Affairs, Communications, and Mass Media
Political Geography:
United States and Washington

207. Social media in Pakistan: catalyst for communication, not change

Author:
Michael Kugelman
Publication Date:
08-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution
Abstract:
This report surveys social media in Pakistan. It identifies five ways in which Pakistan's social media act as communication tools: they break or give greater attention to stories ignored by traditional media; they play a mobilisation role by disseminating information about protests and other social campaigns; they promote humanitarian efforts by co-ordinating and advertising initiatives; they serve as advocates for social causes; and they stimulate communication between politicians and their constituents.
Topic:
Communications, Mass Media, and Sociology
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia

208. Bigger Cities, Smaller Screens: Urbanization, Mobile Phones, and Digital Media Trends in Africa

Author:
Adam Clayton Powell III
Publication Date:
09-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
National Endowment for Democracy
Abstract:
Africa will become predominantly urban within 20 years, according to a United Nations report, with cities tripling in size and megacities developing throughout the continent. This suggests significant changes for Africans' consumption of media in general and digital media in particular, with implications for Africa's cities, politics, and civil society.
Topic:
Development, Science and Technology, Communications, and Mass Media
Political Geography:
Africa and United Nations

209. The Digital Divide and Social Inclusion

Author:
Mark Warschauer
Publication Date:
05-2012
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Americas Quarterly
Institution:
Council of the Americas
Abstract:
Wider access to computers in schools is no magic bullet.
Topic:
Economics and Communications
Political Geography:
America and Venezuela

210. Media 1.5

Author:
Silvio Waisbord
Publication Date:
10-2012
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Americas Quarterly
Institution:
Council of the Americas
Abstract:
New technology has expanded the media choices available to Latin Americans. But don't expect it to usher in a new era of citizen engagement. (audio interview available)
Topic:
Government and Communications
Political Geography:
Latin America, Venezuela, and Mexico