This volume explores the nature of the Internet's impact on civil society, addressing the following central questions: is the Internet qualitatively different from the more traditional forms of the media? has the Internet demonstrated real potential to improve civil society through a wider provision of information, an enhancement of communication between government and citizen, or via better state transparency? does the Internet pose a threat to the coherence of civil society as people are encouraged to abandon shared media experiences and pursue narrow interests? in authoritarian states, does the Internet function as a beacon for free speech or as another tool for propaganda?

Changes in the media landscape present new challenges for scholars interested in the relationship between the mass media and civil society. Notably, the explosion of the Internet in advanced industrial democracies and its more limited introduction in other types of regimes has provided new pathways for communication. This volume explores the nature of the Internet's impact on civil society, addressing the following central questions: * Is the Internet qualitativey different from the more traditional forms of the media? * Has the Internet demonstrated real potential to improve civil society through a wider provision of information, an enhancement of communication between government and citizen or via better state transparency? * Alternatively, does the Internet pose a threat to the coherence of civil society as people are encouraged to abandon shared media experiences and pursue narrow interests? * In authoritarian states, does the Internet function as a beacon for free speech or another tool for propaganda? This book will be of interest to students and scholars of the Internet and civil society. Jensen, University of Aarhus Weiner Lusoli, University of Salford Stephen Ward, University of Salford Scott Wr

Can the internet fundamentally challenge non-free regimes? The role that social networking played in political change in the Middle East and beyond raises important questions about the ability of authoritarian leaders to control the information sphere and their subjects. Revolution Stalled goes beyond the idea of "virtual " politics to study five key components in the relationship between the online sphere and society: content, community, catalysts, control, and co-optation. This analysis of the contemporary Russian internet, written by a scholar with in-depth knowledge of both the post-Soviet media and media theory, illuminates how and when online activity can spark political action. This book argues that there are critical pre-conditions that help the internet to challenge non-free states. For example, Russian leaders became vulnerable to online protest movements and online social entrepreneurs when they failed to control the internet as effectively as they control traditional media. At the same time, Russia experienced explosive growth in online audiences, tipping the balance of control away from state-run television and toward the more open online sphere. Drawing upon studies of small-scale protests involving health issues and children with disabilities, Oates provides compelling evidence of the way Russians are translating individual grievances into rising political awareness and efficacy via the online sphere. The Russian state is struggling to change its information and control strategy in response to new types of information dissemination, networking, and protest. At the same time, this new environment has transformed a state strategy of co-opted elections into a powerful catalyst for protest and demands for rights. While the revolution remains stalled, Oates shows how a new and changing generation of internet users is transforming the public sphere in Russia.

Sarah Oates gives a detailed examination on a central theme in political science: the relationship between democracy and the mass media. This significant book contains a wealth of information and data, including: public opinion surveys, content analysis of television news, focus groups and in-depth interviews to examine why political parties and the mass media failed so spectacularly to aid in the construction of a democratic system in Russia. The analysis presents compelling evidence that television helped to tune out democracy as it served as a tool for leaders rather than a conduit of information in the service of the electorate or parties. In addition, focus groups and surveys show that the Russian audience are often more comfortable with authority rather than truth in television coverage. Within this framework, this fascinating work presents the colourful history of parties, elections and television during one of the most critical eras in Russian history and captures a particularly significant epoch in contemporary Russian politics.

There is currently widespread and growing interest in the Chinese economy, its huge and rapid growth, and the consequent impact on world business and economic affairs. At the same time, there are concerns about China's political system, the Chinese communist party, China's human rights record and the degree to which reform - the development of 'socialism with Chinese characteristics' - represents real liberalization. This book provides full details of economic and political developments in China, focusing in particular on events since 1978. It includes coverage of Hong Kong, Macao, Tibet and Taiwan, together with China's relations, including international trade, with its neighbors and with the international community. It considers the evolution of China's 'open-door' policy in economic affairs, the impact of entry into the WTO and effects of the Asian financial crisis. All the key topics - the growth of the market, the reform of state owned enterprises, foreign investment, human rights, SARS and bird 'flu - are comprehensively covered. Overall, this book provides a full account of economic and political developments in China, and will be of importance to all who are interested in this country's affairs, not only scholars but also those within the business and policy-making communities.

Throughout the formerly communist world a single party monopoly has been replaced by multi-party politics and competitive elections. Drawing on the most recent work of the leading specialists in modern Russian politics, this path-breaking volume marks a decisive advance in our understanding of the relationships between voters, political parties and the conduct of the government in what is still the world's largest country. Issues addressed include: * the effects of the electoral system and of electoral campaigns * regional dimensions of party support * parties in the state Duma and the uncertain evolution of a post-communist party system * the turnout of voters for elections * leader popularity and party development * ideological divisions and party-building * the divisions between the left and right Written in a clear, accessible style, this book links developments in Russia to general themes in political science, and especially to other post-communist countries. It will be welcomed by scholars and students of the development and transformation of post-communist politics, and by a wider readership in comparative politics.

The book is an interview about how the twins have coped with the anorexia and how it has affected them individually. Although Sarah has admitted she has anorexia, she cannot say that she is recovered or may not ever fully recover. She can say however, that she has wasted that part of her life and is ready to move on. This book is a celebration to both the sisters that Sarah is still here and the pressure is off Elizabeth to help Sarah. The sisters want to raise awareness of anorexia and the affect it can have on close family and friends. Talking about it and getting help is the way forward, for the victim and for the family and friends.

'...a lively introduction to media and politics, with timely chapters on the media, war and terrorism and the internet. If you want to know why media matters in politics this is a great place to start' - Dr Margaret Scammell, London School of Economics and Political Science 'This book has the truly international perspective that helps to put politics and media in the context of current world events...a unique and valuable text' - Professor Lynda Lee Kaid, University of Florida '...a new and promising perspective to the study of media and politics in a comparative dimension' - Professor Paolo Mancini, Universita di Perugia Introduction to Media and Politics draws together evidence from the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and beyond to provide students with an understanding of the relationship between the media and the political sphere. This highly accessible text: - balances theory with case studies on elections, war, terrorism, and the emerging role of the Internet, enabling the reader to think critically about how the media should work in the service of democracy. - places the study of media and politics in a comparative perspective, allowing the reader to consider how the same media institutions - including commercial and public service broadcasting, paid political advertising, and war coverage - function in different countries. This text is essential reading for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students of media and politics.

'...a lively introduction to media and politics, with timely chapters on the media, war and terrorism and the internet. If you want to know why media matters in politics this is a great place to start' - Dr Margaret Scammell, London School of Economics and Political Science 'This book has the truly international perspective that helps to put politics and media in the context of current world events...a unique and valuable text' - Professor Lynda Lee Kaid, University of Florida '...a new and promising perspective to the study of media and politics in a comparative dimension' - Professor Paolo Mancini, Universita di Perugia Introduction to Media and Politics draws together evidence from the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and beyond to provide students with an understanding of the relationship between the media and the political sphere. This highly accessible text: - balances theory with case studies on elections, war, terrorism, and the emerging role of the Internet, enabling the reader to think critically about how the media should work in the service of democracy. - places the study of media and politics in a comparative perspective, allowing the reader to consider how the same media institutions - including commercial and public service broadcasting, paid political advertising, and war coverage - function in different countries. This text is essential reading for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students of media and politics.