Draft
Portfolio Assessment of Department of State Internet Freedom Program
Feb 26, 2014
The Internet is a new battleground between governments that censor online content and those who advocate freedom for all to browse, post, and share information online. This report examines how Internet freedom may transform state-society relations in nondemocratic regimes, using case studies of China, Egypt, Russia, and Syria, and also draws parallels between Internet freedom and Radio Free Europe programs during the Cold War.
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The Internet has become a new battleground between governments that censor online content and those who advocate freedom to browse, post, and share information online for all, regardless of their place of residence. This report examines whether and how furthering Internet freedom can empower civil society vis-à-vis public officials, make the government more accountable to its citizens, and integrate citizens into the policymaking process. Using case studies of events in 2011 in Egypt, Syria, China, and Russia, researchers focus on the impact of Internet freedom on freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, and the right to cast a meaningful vote, all of which are the key pillars of political space. Researchers analyze the mechanisms by which Internet freedom can enhance the opportunities to enjoy these freedoms, how different political contexts can alter the opportunities for online mobilization, and how, subsequently, online activism can grow out into offline mobilization leading to visible policy changes. To provide historical context, researchers also draw parallels between the effects of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty programs in the Soviet Union during the Cold War and the ongoing efforts to expand Internet freedom for all. The report concludes by discussing implications for the design of Internet freedom programs and other measures to protect "freedom to connect."
Chapter One
Introduction: The Autocratic Challenge and Internet Freedom
Chapter Two
The Internet and Political Process in Different Regimes
Chapter Three
Cyberactivists, Social Media, and the Anti-Mubarak Protests in Egypt
Chapter Four
Internet Freedom and Political Change in Syria
Chapter Five
The Internet in China: Threatened Tool of Expression and Mobilization
Chapter Six
Fighting Electoral Fraud in the 2011 Russian Election with Internet and Social Media
Chapter Seven
Information Freedom During the Cold War: The Impact of Western Radio Broadcasts
Chapter Eight
Internet Freedom: Measure and Countermeasure
Chapter Nine
Key Findings and Policy Implications for Internet Freedom Programs' Design
Appendix
Electoral Fraud Variable and Summary Statistics for the Russia Case Study
The research described in this report was prepared for the U.S. Department of State. The research was conducted within the RAND National Defense Research Institute, a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, the Unified Combatant Commands, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the defense agencies, and the defense Intelligence Community.
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