Internet and Democracy
The Internet and Democracy Project is an initiative that will examine how the Internet influences democratic norms and modes, including its impact on civil society, citizen media, government transparency, and the rule of law, with a focus on the Middle East. Through a grant of $1.5 million from the US Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative, the Berkman Center will undertake the study over the next two years in collaboration with its extended community and institutional partners. As with all its projects, the Berkman Center retains complete independence in its research and other efforts under this grant.
The goal of this work is to support the rights of citizens to access, develop and share independent sources of information, to advocate responsibly, to strengthen online networks, and to debate ideas freely with both civil society and government. These subjects will be examined through a series of case studies in which new technologies and online resources have influenced democracy and civic engagement. The project will include original research and the identification and development of innovative web-based tools that support the goals of the project. The team, led by Project Director Bruce Etling, will draw on communities from around the world, with a focus on the Middle East.
Follow the research or join in the conversation through a number of different project tools, including our blog, and RSS feed.
OPML Library Resources
The Internet & Democracy Project maintains an ongoing database of notable tools that we encounter in our research.
Internet & Democracy Tools Database
A collection of cutting edge tech tools that support activists and community organizing. These tools were identified at the Tech Tools External Research Meeting for the Internet and Democracy Project.
Internet & Democracy H2O Playlist (Tech Tools External Research Meeting)
A collection of resources to aid in promoting dialogue around issues in democracy. This includes theoretical texts as well as media and internet and democracy readings.
Internet & Democracy H20 Playlist (Theoretical Democracy Sources)
A collection of resources that consider the Internet and democracy, including case studies.
Internet & Democracy H20 Playlist (Internet and Democracy Sources)
This project is sponsored in part by the U.S. Department of State.
