Information Technology and World Politics

When the Internet came into existence, its design (decentralization, universal compatibility) was dictated by the strategic needs of the Cold War. However, within a few short decades, the Internet has moved from being influenced by world politics to influencing them in its own right. The essays in this book take stock of how the Internet has changed the way we approach international security, civil society, and economic development. The contributors investigate new and unexpected developments. One essay explores how wiring Russia’s nuclear scientists into the Internet raises a currently unappreciated threat of weapons proliferation. Another looks at Internet enabled development projects and, despite early success stories, Bangalore, India, explains why they will fail. Together the essays in this collection try to bring a dose of reality to the rose coloured futures many have predicted for world politics in the information age.