Customer Reviews

Open Networks, Closed Regimes: The Impact of the Internet on Authoritarian Rule

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If you are interested in this subject, it is certainly a book that you want to read. It provides an excellent analysis of the situation. In the `90's the irrational exuberance of the economic potential of the Internet created the dot-com bubble. There is also an inflated perception on what the Internet means socially, a condition that still exists. This book is a pin that pops that bubble.

One warning, this book is not a page-turner. At times the way in which the authors deliver the information is somewhat dry. This made the book difficult to read at times. This is not to suggest a fault, you just need to be prepared for what you are about to read.

If you are looking for a fun filled read, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a book that delivers factual information and insights on the implications of the Internet on closed regimes, then this should definitely be part of your library.

This was an important book for me because it made me realize that national governments can separate economic freedom from political freedom and that national governments could encourage the former while also discouraging the latter. The book looks at the use of the internet in and by eight semi-authoritarian and authoritarian nations. One conclusion that can be reached is that such governments can be adept in their use of the Internet. A more complete review of the book can be found on the Resource Center for Cyberspace Studies web page for book reviews.