Global communication and transnational public spheres /

Includes bibliographical references (p. [203]-228) and index.

Introducing transnational public spheres to international relations -- Reconstructing Habermasian public sphere theory -- Contending theories of transnational public spheres: propositions for an alternative analytical framework -- The information age: transborder communicative capacity -- The rise of global governance: transformations in sites of political authority -- Global civil society: transnational networks of mutual affinity.

Information and communication technologies (ICT) enable citizens to communicate across state borders with greater ease than ever before, exciting much speculation about the emergence of transnational public spheres. This highly original work introduces this debate to International Relations, by investigating the socio-political implications of ICT in a global governance framework. Classic Habermasian theory is radically reconstructed to take account of contemporary trends in state sovereignty and global civil society. It is argued that if access is not widened and free speech not sufficiently protected, the early promise of ICT as a liberating force will be neutralized. http://www.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy0730/2007023401-d.html.