Routledge Civil Society in the Information Age (Routledge Revivals)

This title was first published in 2002.In this age of globalization, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other civil society movements and coalitions have become vastly more diverse and influential. This informed text explores the crucial role that efficient, skilful use of information and communications technology and news media has played in increasing the influence and enhancing the work of civil society organizations. Rich in case study material, it examines NGOs and other civil society organizations in the policy fields of development, security, international law, human rights and humanitarian action. In addition, the book examines the relationship between civil society and intergovernmental institutions such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the G7/G8. Scholars, analysts and practitioners in fields ranging from politics and economics through international law and information studies will find this book indispensable. Review ’This book offers fresh insights into the role of information and communications technology in the functioning of civil society groups. The book includes a rich array of studies on important NGOs and civil society coalitions, and on the relationship between civil society and intergovernmental institutions.’ Theodore H. Cohn, Simon Fraser University, Canada ’The rapidly growing literature on civil society will be significantly enhanced by this collection of studies on the impact of information and communication technology on this new movement. The book is especially valuable in presenting a range of case studies which demonstrate the wide and diverse scope of the civil society organizations, their agendas and modes of operation, and is essential reading for both experts and the broader public who may be unaware that Seattle on CNN is only one part of a complex, evolving component of globalization.’ Sylvia Ostry, Distinguished Research Fellow, University of Toronto, Canada ’In this timely book Peter Hajnal and other researchers probe the question of how information and communication technology and the civil society movements influence the contemporary global political process. The book’s fruitful conjunction of theoretical frameworks and empirical studies will provide new insights to the global society. Anyone interested in the evolving impacts of the ICT and NGOs will be stimulated by reading this book.’ Professor Junichi Takase, Nagoya University of Foreign Studies, Japan. ’A welcome addition to the civil society library, this volume of case studies explores as few others have done the role of ICT in global advocacy work.’ Professor Jan Aart Scholte, Centre for the Study of Globalization and Regionalization, University of Warwick ’Information is power. In the last twenty years, citizens’ movements have used information to expose, mobilize and persuade. Doing so, they have irreversibly altered the relationship between we citizens and t About the Author Peter I. Hajnal is a Research Associate, Trinity College, Research Associate, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto, Canada